MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team will open its 2020-21 season at Taylor Center as it hosts the Bemidji State Beavers in a pair of nonconference games. Saturday's game is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m., with Sunday's tip set for 2:00 p.m.

Minnesota State History: The 2020-21 season marks the 99th campaign as a varsity sport for Minnesota State men's basketball. The Mavericks are 1,371-916 (.599) in 2,287 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 181-79 (.696) record to go with four regular-season championships and two tournament championships.

The Mavericks made their 15th appearance in the NCAA Tournament during the 2018-19 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 Beavers: This weekend's contests against Bemidji State with be the 110th and 111th games in their history. The Mavericks lead the all-time series 73-36 and have won six of their last seven games against the Beavers, including a pair of home wins last season (71-61 & 87-60).

Sophomore Ryland Holt averaged 20 points and eight rebounds while shooting 59.2% from the field against the Beavers last season, while junior Kelby Kramer notched 7.0 points and 5.5 rebounds a game.

Derek Thompson averaged 13.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game against the Mavericks last season, while Nick Wagner averaged 8.0 points a game.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 15-5 record against Bemidji State, including an 8-4 record at Taylor Center.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State opens its 2020-21 season this weekend as it hosts the Bemidji State Beavers for a pair of games beginning this Saturday. Last season, the Mavericks finished with a 17-15 record, including a 12-10 NSIC record, as they advanced to the finals of the NSIC Tournament.

As a team, MSU has averaged 75.5 points and 38.7 rebounds per game last season, while shooting 46.0% from the field. The Mavericks have passed out 411 assists and recorded 160 blocks.

Five Mavericks averaged more than nine points per game last season, including sophomore Ryland Holt who averaged 14.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game last season. Junior Kelby Kramer tallied 9.1 points and 9.2 rebounds per game last season, while leading the team in blocks with 79.

The Mavericks are led by Matt Margenthaler, who is in his 20th season at Minnesota State. He owns a career record of 410-180 (.694).

Concerning the Beavers: Bemidji State finished its 2019-20 season with a 14-13 record, including an 11-11 NSIC record. The Mavericks ended the Beavers' season in the first round of the NSIC Tournament as they tallied a 71-61 win in Taylor Center.

As a team, BSU averaged 78.7 points and 35.0 rebounds per game while shooting 47.9% from the field. The Beavers also passed out 381 assists, but committed 312 turnovers.

Nick Wagner averaged a team-best 14.7 points, to go along with 3.0 rebounds, per game. Derek Thompson averaged 14.1 points and 6.4 rebounds per game as well, while Griffin Chase posted 66 points and passed out a team-leading 68 assists.

Bemidji State is coached by Mike Boschee who is in his ninth season with the Beavers.