MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team will conclude its nonconference schedule this weekend in Denver, Colo., as it takes on the Regis Rangers on Friday and the MSU Denver Roadrunners on Saturday. Tip-offs are scheduled for 8:00 p.m. (CST) and 7:00 p.m. (CST), respectively.

Minnesota State History: The 2019-20 season marks the 98th campaign as a varsity sport for Minnesota State men's basketball. The Mavericks are 1,356-903 (.600) in 2,259 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 169-69 (.710) record to go with four regular-season championships and two tournament championships.

The Mavericks made their 15th appearance in the NCAA Tournament last season. MSU owns an 18-15 record (.545) in NCAA Tournament play, including a 91-62 loss to Northwest Missouri State in 2019.

Against the Rangers: Friday's game between Minnesota State and Regis will be their third ever meeting, with the Rangers winning both of their previous games. In their last meeting, the Rangers bested the Mavericks 55-53 during the 1959-60 season.

Against the Roadrunners: Saturday's game between Minnesota State and MSU Denver will be their sixth all-time meeting, with the Mavericks leading the series 3-2. In their last meeting, the Mavericks defeated the Roadrunners 69-65 at Taylor in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2011.

Head coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 2-1 record against the Roadrunners, with all three games taking place during the NCAA Tournament.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State improved to 2-2 last weekend as it bested Crown College 117-60 at Taylor Center. The Mavericks have now won their last two games.

As a team, MSU has averaged 82.5 points and 46.0 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 45.1% from the field. The Mavericks have passed out 56 assists and have recorded 28 blocks.

Four Mavericks are averaging 12 points or more per game this season, including senior Cameron Kirksey, who is posting 16.8 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. Freshman Ryland Holt has averaged 16.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game as well, while freshman Corvon Seales has tallied 12.3 points per game. Freshman Malik Willingham tallied 17 points against Crown College last weekend and sophomore Kelby Kramer is averaging 12.5 rebounds and 4.2 blocks a game also.

The Mavericks are led by Matt Margenthaler, who is in his 19th season at Minnesota State. He owns a career record of 395-167 (.702).
    
Concerning the Rangers: The Regis University Rangers enter the weekend the owners of a 3-1 record, including an 80-49 win over Concordia University (Ore.) and a 90-69 loss to Western Oregon last weekend.
 
As a team, RU has averaged 74.3 points and 36.0 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 46.3% from the field and 33.8% from behind the three point line. The Rangers have also averaged eight steals a game and have shot 79.5% from the free throw line.

Toni Rocak leads the Ranger offense with 12.8 points per game, while Will Cranston-Lown has tallied 10.0 points and 3.7 assists a game. Roberto Vercellino has tallied 8.0 points an a team-best 7.0 rebounds a game also.

Regis is coached by Brady Bergeson, who is in his fifth season with the Rangers. He owns a 79-45 record. 

Concerning the Roadrunners: MSU Denver enters the week the owner of a 1-2 record, including a 77-74 win over Northern New Mexico in its most recent outing.

As a team, MSU Denver has tallied 71.3 points and 35.7 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 36.1% from the field and 27.6% from behind the three point line. The Roadrunners are averaging 8.0 steals per game and have forced 17.0 turnovers a game.

Druce Asah is leading the MSU Denver offense with 16.0 points and 3.7 rebounds a game this season. Mitch Lombard has tallied 10.3 points and 4.6 assists a game, while Kendall McIntosh has posted 10.3 points and 7.0 rebounds a game.

The Roadrunners are coached by Michael Bahl who is in his third season at MSU Denver. He owns a 28-30 record.