MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team begins a three-game road swing this weekend as it takes on the Winona State Warriors on Friday and the Upper Iowa Peacocks on Saturday. Tip-offs are scheduled for 7:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m., 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 1,357-906 (.599) in 2,263 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 170-70 (.708) 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 Warriors: Friday's game between Minnesota State and Winona State will be their 138th meeting, with MSU leading the all-time series 88-49. The Mavericks split their season series with the Warriors last season, with both teams winning their games at home.

Senior Cameron Kirksey averaged 17.0 points and 6.5 rebounds per game last season against WSU, while senior Kevin Krieger tallied 14.0 points per game. As a team, MSU averaged 67.0 points and 37.0 rebounds per game against the Warriors last season, while shooting  43.5% from the field and 19-of-24 (.792) from the free throw line.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 16-20 record against Winona State, including a 7-10 record on the road.

Against the Peacocks: Saturday's game between Minnesota State and Upper Iowa will be their 28th meeting, with MSU leading the all-time series with a 22-5 record. Last season, the Mavericks and the Peacocks split the season series with each team winning its game on the road.

Senior Kevin Krieger averaged 22.0 points per game against the Peacocks last season, while senior Cameron Kirksey tallied 21.5 points and 9.0 rebounds a game. As a team, MSU averaged 75.5 points and 39.5 rebounds per game against UIU, while shooting 42.5% from the field.

Head coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 22-5 record against the Peacocks, including an 11-1 record on the road.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State defeated Southwest Minnesota State 67-57, before falling to Sioux Falls 86-81 last weekend at Taylor Center. The Mavericks now own a 3-5 record, including a 1-1 NSIC record.

As a team, MSU has averaged 79.9 points and 41.0 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 45.9% from the field. The Mavericks have passed out 107 assists and have recorded 43 blocks.

Three Mavericks are averaging more than 11 points per game this season, including senior Cameron Kirksey, who is posting 18.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Freshman Ryland Holt has averaged 12.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per game as well, while freshman Corvon Seales has tallied 11.3 points per game. Sophomore Kelby Kramer is averaging 10.3 rebounds and 3.1 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 396-170 (.699).
    
Concerning the Warriors: Winona State enters the weekend the owner of a 3-6 record, including a 0-3 NSIC record. WSU has lost its last three games, including two on the road last weekend against Augustana (91-78) and Wayne State (70-63).
 
As a team, WSU has averaged 69.7 points and 35.0 rebounds per game this season while shooting 39.4% from the field and 32.9% from three point land. The Warriors have also passed out 123 assists and have recorded 51 steals.

Kevion Taylor leads the Warrior offense with 16.8 points and 6.9 rebounds per game this season. Caleb Wagner has tallied 15.9 points and 5.0 rebounds per game also, while Alec Rosner has notched 10.8 points per game.

Winona State is coached by Todd Eisner, who is in his fifth season with the Warriors. He owns a 63-62 record.

Concerning the Peacocks: Upper Iowa enters the weekend the owner of a 4-5 record, including a 1-2 NSIC record. The Peacocks have lost their last two games to Wayne State (88-69) and Augustana (86-59).

As a team, UIU has averaged 73.1 points and 33.9 rebounds per game this season while shooting 43.8% from the field and 34.1% from three point range. The Peacocks have also tallied 71 steals but have committed 113 turnovers.

Jareese Williams leads the Peacock offense with 14.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game this season. Joe Smoldt has tallied 10.3 points per game also, while Jake Hilmer has posted 10.1 points and 3.8 assists a game.

Upper Iowa is coached by Brooks McKowen who is in his seventh season with the Peacocks. He owns a 99-87 record.