MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team begins a four-game road trip as it travels to Wayne State this weekend. Friday's tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., with Saturday's tip-off set for 2:30 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 1,374-917 (.599) in 2,291 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 183-79 (.698) 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 Wildcats: This weekend's contests against Wayne State will be their 32nd and 33rd games between them with MSU leading the all-time series 27-4. Last season, MSU and WSC split their season series, with each team winning on the road.  The Wildcats defeated the Mavericks 73-71 in Taylor Center, before MSU evened the series with a 72-70 overtime win at Rice Auditorium.

Sophomore Ryland Holt averaged a team-best 17.0 points per game against Wayne State, while hauling in 4.0 rebounds. Junior Kelby Kramer tallied 9.5 points and a team-best 14.0 rebounds per game as well.

As a team, MSU shot 40.8% from the field against the Wildcats last season, to go along with a 29-of-39 (.744) showing from the free throw line. MSU also passed out 22 assists and record 14 steals.

Jordan Janssen averaged 14.5 points and a team-best 12.0 rebounds per game against the Mavericks last season. Nate Mohr posted 12.0 points per game also and led WSC with six three pointers made.

As a unit, WSC shot 39.7% from the field against the Mavericks last season, including a 14-of-35 (.400) performance from long range. The Wildcats also outrebounded the Mavericks 87-79. 

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 23-2 record against the Wildcats, including an 11-0 record on the road. 

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State enters the weekend the owner of a 3-1 record including a 2-0 NSIC. Last weekend, the Mavericks swept #14 Augustana (72-67 & 79-70) at Taylor Center.

As a team, MSU is averaging 75.3 points and 43.0 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 45.0% from the field. The Mavericks have also passed out 44 assists and have recorded 21 blocks.

Four Mavericks are averaging at least 11 points per game this season with sophomore Quincy Anderson leading the way with 16.0 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Junior Devonte Thedford is averaging 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists a game, while sophomore Ryland Holt is averaging 11.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Sophomore Malik Willingham has tallied 11.0 points per game and a team-best nine pointers. Junior Kelby Kramer has tallied 7.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.7 blocks a game also.

The Mavericks are led by Matt Margenthaler, who is in his 20th season at Minnesota State. He owns a career record of 413-181 (.695).

Concerning the Wildcats: Wayne State enters the weekend the owner of a 2-2 record including a 2-0 NSIC record. Last weekend, WSC swept Concordia-St. Paul (88-76 & 82-60) on the road. 

As a unit, Wayne State is averaging 70.8 points and 39.5 rebounds per game while shooting 43.9% from the field and 34.8% from three point range. The Wildcats have also passed out 56 assists and have committed 56 turnovers.

Jordan Janssen leads the Wildcats with 17.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game this season. Henry Penner has tallied 12.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game and leads WSC with eight three pointers made.

Jeff Kaminsky is in his fifth season as head coach at Wayne State. He owns a career record 509-437.