MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State returns to Taylor Center this weekend to begin a four-game homestand. MSU will begin the week facing Sioux Falls on Friday at 7:30 p.m., before taking on Southwest Minnesota State on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.

Minnesota State History: The 2018-19 season marks the 97th campaign as a varsity sport for Minnesota State men's basketball. The Mavericks are 1,347-892 (.601) in 2,239 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 162-62 (.723) 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 Cougars: Friday's game between Minnesota State and Sioux Falls marks their 21st all-time meeting, with MSU leading the series 17-3. Earlier this season the Mavericks defeated the Cougars 87-84 in overtime at Sioux Falls.

Senior Carlos Anderson tallied a career-high 30 points and eight rebounds against USF, while junior Juwan McCloud notched 22 points. Sophomore Jamal Nixon tallied nine points and five rebounds as well.

As a team, MSU shot 28-of-55 (.509) from the field against the Cougars, including a 7-of-16 (.438) performance from long range. The Mavericks also cashed in on 24-of-32 (.750) attempts from the free throw line.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 14-2 record against Sioux Falls, including an 8-0 record at Taylor Center.

Against the Mustangs: Saturday's game between Minnesota State and Southwest Minnesota State marks their 61st meeting, with the Mavericks leading the all-time series 43-17. MSU defeated the Mustangs 75-67 earlier this season on the road.

Junior Kevin Krieger recorded a double-double against the Mustangs with 16 points and 14 rebounds, while senior Carlos Anderson posted 16 points and five rebounds. Junior Cameron Kirksey added 15 points and four rebounds as well.

As a team, MSU shot 51.7% from the field against Southwest Minnesota State. The Mavericks also passed out 18 assists and scored 21 fast break points.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 22-11 record against the Mustangs, including an 11-5 record at Taylor Center.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State begins the weekend with an 11-3 record, including a 7-1 NSIC record. The Mavericks have won their last four outings, including a pair of road victories against Minot State (82-76 OT) and the University of Mary (90-83).

So far this season, MSU is averaging 85.2 points and 39.1 rebounds per game, while shooting 46.7% from the field. The Mavericks have passed out 213 assists and have forced 147 turnovers.

Four Mavericks are averaging 13 points or more a game this season, including junior Cameron Kirksey who is averaging a team-best 17.0  points per game, to go along with 5.4 rebounds a game. Senior Carlos Anderson is posting 15.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, while junior Kevin Krieger is averaging 15.1 points and a team-high 9.3 rebounds a game. Junior Juwan McCloud is recording 13.6 points and 3.1 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 386-156 (.712).
    
Concerning the Cougars: Sioux Falls enters the weekend the owner of a 10-4 record, including a 5-3 NSIC record. Last weekend USF won a pair of home games against Wayne State (77-71) and Augustana (77-73).
 
As a team this season, Sioux Falls is averaging 79.6 points and 43.3 rebounds per game, while shooting 44.7% from the field. The Cougars have also tallied 53 blocks and have passed out 164 assists.

Trevon Evans leads USF is scoring with 22.8 points per game and in assists with 2.8 per game. Drew Guebert is posting 20.4 points and a team best 6.7 rebounds per game as well.

Sioux Falls is coached by Chris Johnson, who is in his 11th season as head coach. He owns a 186-136 (.577) record at USF.

Concerning the Mustangs: Southwest Minnesota State enters the weekend the owner of an 8-6 record, including a 3-5 NSIC record. Last weekend, SMSU fell to both Augustana (85-72) and Wayne State (75-68) at home.

SMSU is averaging 80.6 points and 34.4 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 47.7% from the field. The Mustangs are also shooting 41% from three point range and have recorded 102 steals.

Ryan Bruggeman leads the Mustang offense with 23.5 points and 6.0 assists per game this season. Taylor Schafer is posting 12.4 points per game and has connected on 35 three point shots. Kenny Byers is averaging 10.9 points and 4.6 rebounds per game as well.

Southwest Minnesota State is coached by Brad Bigler who is in his 10th season as head coach. He owns a 169-116 (.592) record.