MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team claimed the top seed in the NSIC south division and will now host Bemidji State in the first round of the NSIC/Sanford Health Tournament this Wednesday. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., at Taylor Center.

Minnesota State History: The 2018-19 season marks the 97th campaign as a varsity sport for Minnesota State men's basketball. The Mavericks are 1,354-899 (.600) in 2,253 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 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 Beavers: Wednesday's game between Minnesota State and Bemidji State marks their 107th all-time meeting with MSU leading the series 71-35. MSU has won its last four games against BSU, including a 77-66 win on the road earlier this season.

Six Mavericks netted eight points or more against Bemidji State earlier this season, including junior Cameron Kirksey who tallied 15 points and six rebounds. Senior Carlos Anderson added 13 points and seven rebounds, while junior Kevin Krieger notched 14 points and four rebounds.

As a team, the Mavericks shot 45.0% from the field against the Beavers and 68.2% (15-of-22) from the free throw line. MSU also recorded 15 points off of 10 BSU turnovers.

Ja Morgan led the Beavers with 22 points and seven rebounds, while Derek Thompson and Jacob Hoffman each netted 12 points.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 13-4 record against the Beavers, including a 6-3 record at Taylor Center.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State owns an 18-10 record on the season, including a 14-8 NSIC record, after going 1-1 on the road last weekend. MSU defeated Upper Iowa 77-75, before falling to Winona State 84-56.

MSU is averaging 81.8 points and 38.5 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 45.4% from the field. The Mavericks have also passed out 380 assists and have forced 285 turnovers.

Four Mavericks are averaging double figures in points this season, including junior Cameron Kirksey who is averaging a team-best 17.9  points per game, to go along with 6.1 rebounds a game. Junior Kevin Krieger is averaging 14.8 points and a team-best 7.5 rebounds per games this season, with senior Carlos Anderson following right behind with 13.6 points and 5.7 rebounds a game. Junior Juwan McCloud is posting 11.3 points and 3.3 assists per 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 393-163 (.706).
    
Concerning the Beavers: Bemijdi State enters the week the owner of a 9-17 record, including a 6-16 NSIC record. The Beavers have lost their last three outings, including a pair of losses to St. Cloud State (85-58) and Minnesota Duluth (74-62) on the road last weekend.
 
Bemidji State is averaging 74.0 points and 36.5 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 46.6% from the field. BSU is also shooting 37.5% from three point range, but has turned the ball over 347 times.

Derek Thompson leads the Beaver offense with 14.2 points and 5.7 rebounds per game this season, while Ja Morgan has tallied 12.1 points and 6.5 assists a game. Jacob Hoffman is averaging 11.9 points and 3.1 rebounds per game as well. 

Bemidji State is coached by Mike Boschee, who is in his seventh season with the Beavers. He owns an 82-107 record with BSU.