MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team will take on #21 Northern State today in the NSIC/Sanford Health Tournament Championship game today at the Sanford Pentagon. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 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 1,371-915 (.599) in 2,286 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 Wolves: Tuesday's game between Minnesota State and Northern State will be their 29th all-time meeting with MSU leading the series 16-12. The Wolves have won the last five meeting against the Mavericks, including a 96-62 win in Aberdeen S.D., earlier this season.

Freshman Ryland Holt tallied 12 points and six rebounds, while senior Carter Asche notched 11 points. Freshman Malik Willingham added 10 points and five assists also, while sophomore Kelby Kramer notched eight points and nine rebounds.

Mason Stark led the NSU offense with 37 points, while Parker Fox recorded 13 points and nine rebounds. Cole Dahl added 13 points as well. 

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 9-9 record against Northern State, including a 2-2 record at neutral sites.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State enters the NSIC/Sanford Health Tournament Championship game the owner of a 17-14 record, including a 79-73 win in the third round of the NSIC Tournament against Minnesota Duluth.

As a team, MSU has averaged 76.0 points and 38.7 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 46.1% from the field. The Mavericks have passed out 399 assists and have recorded 152 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 14.2 points per game also, while senior Kevin Krieger has tallied 11.9 points a game. Sophomore Kelby Kramer is averaging 9.3 points and a team-best 9.2 rebounds a game as well, while freshman Corvon Seales has notched 10.2 points and a team-best 3.3 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 410-179 (.696).

Concerning the Bulldogs: Northern State enters the NSIC Tournament Championship game with a 25-6 record. The Wolves have won their last eight games, including an 81-65 win over MSU Moorhead in their most recent outing.

As a team, NSU is averaging 80.1 points and 34.6 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 50.2% from the field and 38.2% from three point range. The Wolves has passed out 506 assists and have recorded 144 blocks.

Parker Fox leads the Wolves with 19.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, while posting on 73 blocks. Mason Stark is averaging 15.5 points a game and has connected on 59 three pointers, while Gabe King has tallied 12.1 points and a team-leading 65 three pointers.

Northern State is coached by Saul Phillips who is in his first season with the Wolves.