MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team returns to Taylor Center this weekend to open its NSIC schedule with games against Southwest Minnesota State on Friday and Sioux Falls 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 1,356-905 (.599) in 2,261 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 Mustangs: Friday's game between Minnesota State and Southwest Minnesota State will be their 62nd all-time meeting, with MSU leading the series with a 44-17 record. The Mavericks have won their last three meetings against the Mustangs, including a 101-72 win at Taylor Center during the most recent meeting last season.

Senior Cameron Kirksey notched a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while senior Kevin Krieger tallied 12 points. Junior Jamal Nixon tallied eight points and seven rebounds also.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 23-11 record against Southwest Minnesota State, including a 12-5 record at Taylor Center.

Against the Cougars: Saturday's game between Minnesota State and Sioux Falls will be their 22nd all-time meeting with MSU leading the series 17-4. MSU and USF split their season series last season, with the Cougars picking up a 74-46 win in their last encounter.

Senior Cameron Kirksey tallied eight points and six rebounds against USF in their last meeting, while senior Kevin Krieger notched  seven points and eight rebounds.

Head coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 14-3 record against the Cougars, including an 8-1 record in Taylor Center.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State fell to 2-4 last weekend as it fell to Regis (97-89) and MSU Denver (75-72) on the road.

As a team, MSU has averaged 81.8 points and 42.5 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 45.9% from the field. The Mavericks have passed out 84 assists and have recorded 34 blocks.

Four Mavericks are averaging more than 11 points per game this season, including senior Cameron Kirksey, who is posting 17.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. Freshman Ryland Holt has averaged 13.8 points and 4.7 rebounds per game as well, while freshman Corvon Seales has tallied 11.5 points per game. Freshman Malik Willingham has tallied 11.3 points a game. Sophomore Kelby Kramer is averaging 10.0 rebounds and 3.5 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 395-169 (.700).
    
Concerning the Mustangs: Southwest Minnesota State enters the weekend the owner of a 3-4 record, including a 0-1 NSIC record. SMSU fell to Sioux Falls 74-56 in its last outing.
 
As a team, SMSU has averaged 67.0 points and 33.9 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 45.5% from the field and 34.6% from three point range. The Mustangs have passed out 85 assists, but have committed 83 turnovers.

Kenny Byers leads the team with 13.6 points and 7.9 rebounds per game this season. Nick Dufault has tallied 10.6 points per game as well, while Cliff McCray has posted 9.7 points a game.

Southwest Minnesota State is coached by Brad Bigler who is in his 11th season as head coach of the Mustangs. He owns a 182-128 record.

Concerning the Cougars: Sioux Falls enters the weekend the owner of a 5-2 record, including a 1-0 NSIC record. USF bested Southwest Minnesota State 74-56 at home in its most recent outing.

As a team, USF has notched 67.6 points and 38.4 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 42.6% from the field and 33.6% from three point range. The Cougars have passed out 75 assists, but have committed 112 turnovers in the season.

Austin Slater has tallied 11.9 points and 7.4 rebounds a game this season, while Teathloach Pal has notched 11.3 points and 10.9 rebounds a game. Chase Grinde has registered 10.0 points and 5.4 rebounds a game also.

Sioux Falls is coached by Chris Johnson, who is in his 12th season at USF. He owns a 200-144 record.