MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team will open the NSIC Tournament at Taylor Center this Wednesday as it takes on the Bemidji State Beavers. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Minnesota State History: The 2019-20 season marks the 98th campaign as a varsity sport for Minnesota State men's basketball. The Mavericks are 1,368-915 (.599) in 2,283 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 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 Beavers: Wednesday's game between Minnesota State and Bemidji State marks their 109th all-time meeting with MSU leading the series 72-36. Earlier this season, the Mavericks bested the Beavers 87-60 at Taylor Center.

Freshman Ryland Holt recorded a double-double with 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Senior Kevin Krieger tallied 18 points, four rebounds and four assists. Senior Cameron Kirksey added 14 points and four steals also.

Derek Thompson led the Beavers with 15 points and eight rebounds, while Logan Bader notched 13 points.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 14-5 record against Bemidji State, including a 7-4 record at Taylor Center.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State enters the weekend the owner of a 14-14 record, including a 12-10 NSIC record. Last weekend, the Mavericks suffered a pair of losses to Upper Iowa (89-81) and Winona State (79-72).

As a team, MSU has averaged 76.7 points and 39.3 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 45.4% from the field. The Mavericks have passed out 362 assists and have recorded 142 blocks.

Five Mavericks are averaging more than nine points per game this season, including senior Cameron Kirksey who is posting a team-leading 18.0 points a game. Freshman Ryland Holt has notched 14.1 points per game also, while senior Kevin Krieger has tallied 11.6 points a game. Sophomore Kelby Kramer is averaging 9.5 points and a team-best 9.4 rebounds a game as well, while freshman Corvon Seales has notched 9.9 points and a team-best 3.1 assists a game.

The Mavericks are led by Matt Margenthaler, who is in his 19th season at Minnesota State. He owns a career record of 407-179 (.694).

Concerning the Beavers: Bemidji State enters the weekend the own of a 14-12 record, including an 11-11 NSIC record. BSU has won its last four games, including a pair of home victories against St. Cloud State (86-65) and Minnesota Duluth (83-76) last weekend.

As a team, BSU is averaging 79.4 points and 35.2 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 48.3% from the field and 41.3% from three point range. The Beavers has passed out 372 assists, but have committed 304 turnovers.

Nick Wagner is averaging 14.8 points a game this season, while Derek Thompson has tallied 14.3 points and a team-best 6.3 rebounds a game. Max Bjorkland has notched 13.0 points a game and has connected on 51 three pointers, while Logan Bader has tallied 11.4 points a game and a team-leading 53 three pointers.

The Beavers are coached by Mike Boschee, who  is in his eighth season as head coach. He owns a 90-121 record.