MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State returns to Taylor Center for a pair of games this weekend as it takes on Minnesota Crookston on Friday and Bemidji State 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 1,365-912 (.599) in 2,277 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 178-76 (.700) 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 Golden Eagles: Friday's game between Minnesota State and Minnesota Crookston will be their 26th all-time meeting with the Mavericks leading the series 24-1. Last season, the Golden Eagles defeated MSU 77-72 in Crookston.

Senior Kevin Krieger tallied 17 points and eight rebounds, while seniors Carter Asche and Cameron Kirksey each tallied nine points.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 20-1 record against Minnesota Crookston, including an 11-0 record at Taylor Center.

Against the Beavers: Saturday's game between Minnesota State and Bemidji State will be their 108th all-time meeting with MSU leading the all-time series 71-36. Last season, the Mavericks went 1-1 against the Beavers, including a 77-66 road victory and a 66-56 loss at home.

Senior Cameron Kirksey averaged 11.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game against the Beavers last season, while senior Kevin Krieger tallied 9.5 points and 4.5 rebounds a game.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 13-5 record against Bemidji State, including a 6-4 record at Taylor Center.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State enters the weekend the owner of an 11-11 record, including a 9-7 NSIC record. Last weekend, Minnesota State fell to MSU Moorhead 88-63 and Northern State 96-62 on the road.

As a team, MSU has averaged 76.2 points and 38.4 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 45.3% from the field. The Mavericks have passed out 288 assists and have recorded 108 blocks.

Five Mavericks are averaging more than nine points per game this season, including senior Cameron Kirksey who is posting a team-leading 17.2 points a game. Freshman Ryland Holt has posted 13.4 points per game also, while senior Kevin Krieger has tallied 11.0 points a game. Sophomore Kelby Kramer is averaging 9.2 points and a team-best 9.3 rebounds a game as well, while freshman Corvon Seales has notched 9.7 points and a team-best 3.0 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 404-176 (.696).
    
Concerning the Golden Eagles: Minnesota Crookston enters the weekend the owner of a 9-13 record, including a 5-11 NSIC record. Last weekend, UMC fell to Southwest Minnesota State 77-63 and Sioux Falls 77-62 at home. 

As a team, UMC is averaging 72.9 points and 31.0 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 41.6% from the field, including a 34.1% showing from three point range. The Golden Eagles have passed out 226 assists and have tallied 80 blocks.

Harrison Cleary is leading the Golden Eagle offense with 27.5 points per game this season and has hit a team-best 67 three pointers. Malcolm Cohen has tallied 9.7 points per game as well, while Brian Sitzmann has notched 8.7 points a game.

Minnesota Crookston is coached by Dan Weisse, who is in his sixth season as head coach of the Golden Eagles. He owns a 54-113 record.

Concerning the Beavers: Bemidji State enters the weekend the owner of a 9-11 record, including a 6-10 NSIC record. Last weekend, BSU fell to Sioux Falls 66-54, before defeating Southwest Minnesota State 78-64. 

As a team, BSU has averaged 79.8 points and 36.0 rebounds per game, while shooting 48.6% from the field and 41.5% from three point land. The Beavers have also passed out 288 assists, but have turned the ball over 248 times.

Derek Thompson is averaging 13.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game this season, while Logan Bader has tallied 11.7 points and 7.6 rebounds a game. Nick Wagner is averaging 16.7 points per game as has connected on a team-leading 66 three pointers. 

Bemidji State is coached by Mike Boschee, who is in his eighth season. He owns a 98-120 record.