MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team continues its season this Saturday in the second round of the NSIC/Sanford Health Tournament as it takes on the Sioux Falls Cougars. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Minnesota State History: The 2019-20 season marks the 98th campaign as a varsity sport for Minnesota State men's basketball. The Mavericks are 1,369-915 (.599) in 2,284 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.

NSIC Honors: Senior Cameron Kirksey, sophomore Kelby Kramer and freshman Ryland Holt have all garnered NSIC honors for their efforts on the court this season. Kirksey has been named to the All-NSIC First Team for the second straight season, while Kramer has been named the NSIC Newcomer of the Year. Holt has been named the NSIC Freshman of the Year as well.

Against the Cougars: Saturday's game between Minnesota State and Sioux Falls marks their 24th all-time meeting, with MSU leading the series 17-6. USF has won its last three encounters with the Mavericks including a pair of wins this season. The Mavericks fell to the Cougars 86-81 in Taylor Center and 71-64 on the road earlier this season.

Senior Cameron Kirksey has averaged a team-leading 17.5 points per game against USF this season, while senior Kevin Krieger has posted 12.0 points per game. Sophomore Kelby Kramer has posted 11.0 points and a team-leading 7.0 rebounds a game against the Cougars also.

Chase Grinde has averaged a team-leading 13.5 points a game against the Mavericks this season, while Jack Thompson has posted 13.0 points per game. Devin Green has averaged 12.0 points per game also, while Austin Slater has posted 9.0 points and a team-best 8.5 rebounds a game.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 14-5 record against Sioux Falls.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State enters the second round of the NSIC/Sanford Health Tournament with a 15-14 record. MSU recently defeated Bemidji State 71-61 in the first round of the NSIC Tournament at Taylor Center.

As a team, MSU has averaged 76.5 points and 39.1 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 45.5% from the field. The Mavericks have passed out 372 assists and have recorded 146 blocks.

Five Mavericks are averaging more than nine points per game this season, including senior Cameron Kirksey who is posting a team-leading 17.6 points a game. Freshman Ryland Holt has notched 14.1 points per game also, while senior Kevin Krieger has tallied 11.9 points a game. Sophomore Kelby Kramer is averaging 9.4 points and a team-best 9.3 rebounds a game as well, while freshman Corvon Seales has notched 9.8 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 408-179 (.695).

Concerning the Cougars: Sioux Falls enters the second round of the NSIC Tournament with a 22-7 record. USF has won its last two outings, including a 79-68 win over Minot State in the opening round of the conference tournament.

As a team, USF is averaging 70.3 points and 35.6 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 45.4% from the field and 34.2% from three point range. The Cougars has passed out 352 assists, but have committed 381 turnovers.

Chase Grinde leads the USF offense with 12.8 points per game this season. Teathloach Pal has averaged 10.9 points and a team-best 9.2 rebounds a game this season also, while Jack Thompson has tallied 10.6 points a game and leads the team with 42 three pointers made.

The Cougars are coached by Chris Johnson, who is in 12th season as head coach. He owns a 217-150 record at USF.