MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team opens it 2019-20 season this weekend as it travels to Kansas City, Mo., to take part in the MIAA/NSIC Crossover. The Mavericks will open the season against Washburn on Friday, before taking on #10 Missouri Southern State on Saturday. Tip-offs for both games are scheduled for 12:00 p.m.

Minnesota State History: The 2019-20 season marks the 98th campaign as a varsity sport for Minnesota State men's basketball. The Mavericks are 1,354-901 (.600) in 2,255 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 are 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 Ichabods: Friday's game between the Mavericks and the Ichabods marks their third all-time meeting with MSU winning the previous two encounters. The Mavericks bested the Ichabods 77-70 in their most recent encounter during the 2014-15 season.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 1-0 record against Washburn.

Against the Lions: Saturday's game between the Minnesota State and Missouri Southern State marks their fifth all-time meeting with the series tied at 2-2. The Lions bested the Mavericks 100-98 in overtime last season at Taylor Center.

As a unit, the Mavericks shot 49.2% from the field against MSSU, including a 6-of-13 (.461) showing from behind the arc. MSU also passed out 16 assists and recorded five steals.

Five Mavericks netted 10 points or more against the Lions, including both senior Kevin Krieger and sophomore Tre Baumgardner who each tallied 17. Krieger also finished one rebound shy of a double-double with nine, while Baumgardner went 4-of-8 from behind the arc. Senior Cameron Kirksey notched 14 points and a team-best five assists as well.

As a unit, Missouri Southern shot 47.8% from the field against the Mavericks, while posting 42 points in the paint and 11 second chance points. The Lions also connected on 27-of-32 (.844) shots from the line.

Cam Martins notched a team-best 49 points and 10 rebounds, while Kinzer Lambert tallied 25 points, which included an 8-of-8 showing from the line. Elyjah Clark added 13 points and six assists as well. 

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State finished its 2018-19 season with an 18-12 record, including a 14-8 NSIC record. The Mavericks also made their 15th appearances in the NCAA Tournament, where they fell to Northwest Missouri State 91-62 in the first round.

As a team, MSU averaged 80.2 points and 37.7 rebounds per game last season, while shooting 44.7% from the field and 35.8% from behind the arc. The Mavericks also passed out 398 assists and forced 308 turnovers.

Seniors Cameron Kirksey and Kevin Krieger return after leading the Mavericks in scoring and rebounds last season. Kirksey averaged 17.7 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, while Krieger added 14.1 points and 7.3 rebounds a game. Sophomore Tre Baumgardner added 7.4 points a game as well, while junior Jamal Nixon added 5.3.

The Mavericks are led by Matt Margenthaler, who is in his 19th season at Minnesota State. He owns a career record of 393-165 (.704).
    
Concerning the Ichabods: Washburn finished its 2018-19 season with a 24-8 record, including a 15-4 MIAA record. The Ichabods advanced to the NCAA Tournament last season where they fell to Missouri Southern 101-100 in the first round.
 
As a unit, WU averaged 83.2 points and 38.0 rebounds per game last season, while shooting 47.8% from the field and 39.0% from behind the three point line. The Ichabods also passed out 550 assists and tallied 192 steals, while forcing 411 turnovers. 

Tyler Geiman averaged 8.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game last season, while Jalen Lewis tallied 8.5 points a game. Will McKee averaged 6.2 points and 5.5 rebounds a game also.

Washburn is led by head coach Brett Ballard, who is in his third season with the Ichabods. He owns a 46-18 record.

Concerning the Lions: Missouri Southern State finished its 2018-19 season with a 25-8 record, including a 14-5 NSIC record. The Lions advanced to the third round of the NCAA Tournament last season where they lost to Northwest Missouri State 82-70.

As a team, Missouri Southern averaged 86.7 points and 38.7 rebounds per game last season, while shooting 48.1% from the field and 37.2% from behind the three point line. The Lions also tallied 182 steals and 550 assists, while forcing 368 turnovers.

Cam Martin led the Lion offense last season with 22.5 points and 9.7 rebounds per game last season. Kinzer Lambert averaged 15.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game as well, while Elyjah Clark tallied 14.8 points and 6.6 rebounds a game. Reggie Tharp passed out a team-leading 159 assists as well.

The Lions are led by head coach Jeff Boschee who is in his sixth season at Missouri Southern. He owns a 101-53 record.