MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State returns to Taylor Center this weekend as it hosts a pair of NSIC north division opponents in MSU Moorhead on Friday and Northern State on Saturday. Tip-offs are scheduled for 7:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m., respectively.

Minnesota State History: The 2018-19 season marks the 97th campaign as a varsity sport for Minnesota State men's basketball. The Mavericks are 1,350-895 (.601) in 2,245 games since the program's inception in the 1920-21 season. MSU capped its 33rd and final season as a member of the NCC in 2008 and owned a 283-267 (.515) record in 550 league games played. In the NSIC, MSU owns a 165-65 (.717) record to go with four regular-season championships and two tournament championships.

The Mavericks made their 14th appearance in the NCAA Tournament last season. MSU owns an 18-14 record (.562) in NCAA Tournament play, including its 60-50 win over Northwest Missouri State, a 74-70 win over Southwest Minnesota State and a 90-83 loss to Northern State last season.

Against the Dragons: Friday's game between the Mavericks and the Dragons will be their 97th meeting, with Minnesota State leading the all-time series 64-32. The Mavericks have won their last four meetings with the Dragons, including a pair of home wins last season. MSU won their regular season encounter 81-58, and their meeting in the first round of the NSIC Tournament 82-79.

Last season, the Mavericks averaged 81.5 points and 36.5 rebounds per game against the Dragons, while shooting 49.2% from the field. MSU also connected on 14-of-32 (.437) attempts from three point range.

Junior Cameron Kirksey averaged 15.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game last season against the Dragons, while junior Kevin Krieger posted 13.5 points and 3.0 rebounds per game. Senior Kevin Krieger tallied 13.0 points per game as well.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 13-5 record against MSU Moorhead, including an 8-1 record at Taylor Center.

Against the Wolves: Saturday's game between Minnesota State and Northern State will be their 27th all-time meeting, with the Mavericks leading the series 16-11. NSU won all three meeting against MSU last season, including a 90-83 win in the third round of the NCAA Tournament.

Junior Kevin Krieger averaged 18.0 points and 3.6 rebounds per game against the Wolves last season, while senior Carlos Anderson averaged 12.6 points per game. 95

As a team, MSU shot 48.7% from the field against NSU, while averaging 81.6 points and 32.0 rebounds a game. Minnesota State also passed out 12.7 assists a game.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 9-7 record against the Wolves, including a 4-2 record at Taylor Center.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State enters the weekend the owner of a 14-6 record and sits in a tie for second place in the NSIC standings with a 10-4 conference record. Last weekend, MSU defeated Wayne State (90-79) and Augustana (79-73) on the road.

So far this season, MSU is averaging 83.0 points and 38.8 rebounds per game, while shooting 45.8% from the field. The Mavericks have connected on 185 three pointers this season and have passed out 287 assists, while forcing 209 turnovers.

Four Mavericks are averaging more than 12.9 points a game this season or more, including junior Cameron Kirksey who is averaging a team-best 16.9  points per game, to go along with 5.4 rebounds a game. Senior Carlos Anderson is posting 14.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, while junior Kevin Krieger is averaging 13.9 points and a team-high 8.1 rebounds a game. Junior Juwan McCloud is recording 12.9 points and 3.3 assists a game as well.

The Mavericks are led by Matt Margenthaler, who is in his 18th season at Minnesota State. He owns a career record of 389-159 (.709).
    
Concerning the Dragons: MSU Moorhead enters the weekend the owner of a 15-7 record and sits in a tied for fourth place in the NSIC standings with a 9-5 conference record. Last weekend, MSUM defeated Minnesota Duluth 79-58, before falling to St. Cloud State 99-84.
 
MSU Moorhead is averaging 86.6 points and 35.4 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 50.8% from the field and 41.2% from long range. The Dragons have also passed out 325 assists and have recorded 131 steals.

Five Dragons are averaging 10.5 points or more per game this season, including Addison Park, who boasts 15.5 points and 4.8 rebounds a game. Travuan Coad is averaging 14.6 and 5.5 rebounds per game, with Bryce Irsfeld posting 10.5 points and 3.1 assists a game.

MSU Moorhead is coached by Chad Walthall who is in his ninth season as head coach of the Dragons. He owns a 187-86 record at MSUM. 

Concerning the Wolves: Northern State enters the weekend the owner of a 15-5 record and sits atop the NSIC standings with an 11-3 conference record. Last weekend, NSU defeated St. Cloud State 77-73, before falling to Minnesota Duluth 76-70.

Northern State is averaging 78.1 points and 37.5 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 49.1% from the field and 41.3% from three point range. The Wolves have also passed out 300 assists, but have committed 217 turnovers.

Ian Smith leads the NSU offense with 13.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. Parker Fox has tallied 11.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game as well, while Bo Fries has posted 10.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.

Northern State is coached by Paul Sather is in his ninth season as head coach. He owns a 177-87 record.