MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team will open the NSIC portion of its 2020-21 schedule this weekend as it hosts a pair of games against the #14 Augustana Vikings at Taylor Center. Friday's game is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m., with Saturday's tip-off schedule 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 1,372-917 (.599) in 2,289 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 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 Vikings: This weekend's contests against Augustana will be the 122nd and 123rd meetings between them with the Mavericks leading the all-time series 66-55. Last season, MSU split its season series with the Vikings, with each team winning its home game (W, 89-77 & L, 73-66).
Junior
Kelby Kramer posted 12.5 points, 13.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game against the Vikings last season, while sophomore
Landon Wolfe tallied 6.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. Sophomore
Ryland Holt notched 5.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game also.
As a team, MSU shot 40.0% from the field against the Vikings last season, including a 21-of-48 (.438) showing from downtown. The Mavericks also passed out 18 assists and recorded 12 blocks.
Matt Todd led the Viking offense last season against the Mavericks as he posted 22.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Dylan LeBrun averaged 14.5 points per game also, while Tyler Riemersma notched 11.5 points and 12.0 rebounds per game.
As a unit, Augie shot 35.4% from the field against Minnesota State last season, including a 15-of-40 (.375) showing from behind the three point line. The Vikings also forced 23 MSU turnovers and recorded 11 steals.
Head Coach
Matt Margenthaler owns a 25-17 record against Augustana, including a 14-7 record at Taylor Center.
Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State enters the weekend the owner of a 1-1 record as it split its most recent weekend series with Bemidji State. The Beavers won the first meeting 74-59, before the Mavericks earned a split with a 91-67 win in the second game.
As a team, MSU is averaging 75.0 points and 40.0 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 44.8% from the field. The Mavericks have also passed out 19 assists and have recorded 11 blocks.
Five Mavericks are averaging at least 10 points per game this season with sophomore
Quincy Anderson leading the way with 20.0 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Sophomore
Ryland Holt is averaging 12.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, while sophomore
Malik Willingham has tallied 11.0 points per game and a team-best five three pointers. Junior
Devonte Thedford is posting 10.5 points and 2.5 assists per game and junior
Kelby Kramer is averaging 10.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.0 blocks a game.
The Mavericks are led by
Matt Margenthaler, who is in his 20th season at Minnesota State. He owns a career record of 411-181 (.694).
Concerning the Vikings: Augustana enters the weekend the owner of a 2-0 record as it swept MSU Moorhead on the road last weekend. The Vikings won their first game 74-69 and followed up with an 89-79 win in the finale.
As a team, AU is averaging 81.5 points and 34.0 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 50.5% from the field. The Vikings have also passed out 22 assists and have forced 27 turnovers.
Michael Schaefer leads the Vikings with 21.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, while Tyler Riemersma has notched 18.0 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. Matt Todd has averaged 17.0 points per game this season also.
Tom Billeter is in his 18th season with the Vikings. He owns a 423-238 career record.
