MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team returns to Taylor Center this weekend as it plays hosts to the Wayne State Wildcats on Friday and the Augustana Vikings 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 1,364-909 (.600) in 2,273 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 177-73 (.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 Wildcats: Friday's game between Minnesota State and Wayne State will be their 30th all-time meeting with MSU leading the series with a 27-3 record. The Mavericks have won their last 14 games against the Wildcats including a pair of victories last season.

Senior Kevin Krieger averaged 19.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game last season against WSC, while senior Cameron Kirksey tallied 13.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 22-1 record against Wayne State, including an 11-1 record at Taylor Center.

Against the Vikings: Saturday's meeting between Minnesota State and Augustana will be their 119th all-time meeting, with the Mavericks leading the series 65-53. Last season, the Mavericks and Viking split the season series, with both teams winning on the road.

Senior Cameron Kirksey averaged 21.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game against the Vikings last season, while senior Kevin Krieger notched 16.5 points and 11.0 rebounds a game.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 24-16 record against Augustana, including a 12-7 record at Taylor Center.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State enters the weekend the owner of a 10-8 record, including an 8-4 NSIC record. MSU has won seven of its last eight contests, including a pair of road wins at Minnesota Duluth (67-65) and St. Cloud State (95-83) last weekend.

As a team, MSU has averaged 77.3 points and 39.4 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 45.8% from the field. The Mavericks have passed out 250 assists and have recorded 97 blocks.

Five Mavericks are averaging more than nine points per game this season, including senior Cameron Kirksey who is posting a team-leading 17.9 points a game. Freshman Ryland Holt has posted 14.2 points per game also, while senior Kevin Krieger has tallied 12.0 points a game. Sophomore Kelby Kramer is averaging 9.3 points and a team-best 9.6 rebounds a game as well.

The Mavericks are led by Matt Margenthaler, who is in his 19th season at Minnesota State. He owns a career record of 403-173 (.699).
    
Concerning the Wildcats: Wayne State enters the weekend the owner of a 6-15 record, including a 3-9 NSIC record. WSC has lost its last three outings, including a pair of losses to MSU Moorhead (82-71) and Northern State (82-72) last weekend.

As a team, WSC is averaging 73.0 points and 35.3 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 44.7% from the field, including a 33.5% showing from three point range. The Wildcats have notched 84 blocks and 110 steals also.

Four Wildcats are averaging 10 points or more a game, including Jordan Janssen who is posting a team-leading 18.0 points and 9.9 rebounds a game. Nick Ferrarini is averaging 14.0 points a game and has connected on 41 three pointers. Nate Mohr has posted 11.8 points a game also and leads the team with 42 three pointers.

Wayne State is coached by Jeff Kaminsky, who is in his fourth season with the Wildcats. He owns a 51-61 record.

Concerning the Vikings: Augustana enters the weekend the owner of an 11-7 record, including a 6-6 NSIC record. The Vikings have lost their last five outings, including a pair of losses to Northern State (82-77) and MSU Moorhead (78-68) last weekend.

As a team, AU has averaged 80.6 points and 41.3 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 43.4% from the field and 35.0% from downtown. The Vikings have also passed out 254 assists and have tallied 93 steals.

Four Vikings are averaging more than 10 points per game this season, including Matt Cartwright who has tallied 13.8 points per game. Tyler Riemersma is averaging 13.4 points and team-best 9.8 rebounds per game, while Matt Todd has notched 13.1 points per game. Todd leads Augie in three pointers made with 42.

Augustana is coached by Todd Billeter, who is in his 17th season with the Vikings. He owns a 316-184 record.