MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team returns to Taylor Center to begin a four-game homestand this weekend against Sioux Falls. Friday's tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., with Saturday's tip-off set for 2:00 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 1,377-918 (.600) in 2,295 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 186-80 (.699) 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 Cougars: This weekend's games between Minnesota State and Sioux Falls will be their 26th and 27 meetings between them, with MSU leading the all-time series 19-6.  Last season, the Mavericks went 1-2 against the Cougars, including a 60-59 win in the second round of the NSIC Tournament in their most recent meeting.

Sophomore Ryland Holt tallied 9.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per game against USF last season, while shooting 53.3% from the field. Junior Kelby Kramer notched 9.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game also.

As a team, MSU shot 50.3% from the field against the Cougars last season, to go along with a 22-of-57 (.386) showing from downtown. MSU also passed out 37 assists and blocked 13 shots.

Chase Grinde averaged 10.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game last season against the Mavericks, while Jack Thompson tallied 10.7 points and 4.0 rebounds per game.

As a unit, USF shot 45.3% from the field against MSU last season, including a 14-of-34 (.412) performance from three point range. The Cougars also cashed in on 48-of-66 (.727) shots from the line and averaged 35.0 rebounds a game.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 15-5 record against Sioux Falls, including an 8-2 record at Taylor Center.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State enters the weekend the owner of a 6-2 record including a 5-1 NSIC. Last weekend, the Mavericks swept Southwest Minnesota State by the scores of 60-40 and 95-67. MSU has now won its last three outings.

As a team, MSU is averaging 75.5 points and 38.4 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 45.4% from the field. The Mavericks have also passed out 99 assists and have recorded 32 blocks.

Five  Mavericks are averaging more than nine points per game this season with sophomore Quincy Anderson leading the way with 16.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Sophomore Malik Willingham has tallied 13.3 points per game and a team-best 21 three pointers, while junior Devonte Thedford has tallied 11.3 points and a team-high 29 assists. Sophomore Ryland Holt in posting 10.3 points and 6.0 rebounds a game also, while freshman Brady Williams is averaging 9.5 points and 4.3 rebounds a game.

The Mavericks are led by Matt Margenthaler, who is in his 20th season at Minnesota State. He owns a career record of 416-182 (.695).

Concerning the Cougars: Sioux Falls enters the weekend the owner of a 4-0 record, including a 2-0 NSIC record. In their most recent outings back on Jan. 8-9, the Cougars defeated Upper Iowa 68-55 and 87-76 at home.

As a unit, Sioux Falls is averaging 72.5 points and 40.5 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 42.5% from the field, including a 17-of-65 (.262) showing from three point range. The Cougars have passed out 41 assists and have forced 69 turnovers.

Teathloach Pal is averaging a team-leading 14.3 points and 8.0 rebounds per game this season, while Troy Houghton has tallied 13.3 points and 2.3 rebounds a game. Jack Thompson is averaging 10.8 points a game also, while Chase Grinde has posted 10.0 points and 6.5 rebounds a game

Chris Johnson is in his 14th season as head coach of the Cougars. He owns a career record of 253-81 (.562) record.