MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State women's basketball team will officially begin NSIC play this weekend with a pair of games against the Augustana Vikings Friday, Jan. 8 at 7:00 p.m., and Saturday, Jan. 9 at 3:00 p.m. The games will be played at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D., where limited fan attendance will be allowed. Information regarding ticket purchases and regulations around attending, all information can be found here.

Mavericks at a Glance: Last weekend the Mavericks split a pair of games against the Bemidji State Beavers. Saturday afternoon Minnesota State won 63-62 and Sunday afternoon, Bemidji State came out victorious in a 82-76 overtime game.

Stat Pack: As a team, Minnesota State is averaging 69.5 points per game in comparison to its opponents' 72. Additionally, the Mavericks average 40.5 rebounds per
game and dish out 12.0 assists per game while stealing the ball 16.5 times per game.

Impact Mavericks: Sophomore guard Joey Batt is the leading scorer for the Mavericks averaging 18.0 points per game and is coming off a career high 26-point performance against Bemidji State. Senior wing Tayla Stuttley is the second leading scorer for Minnesota State averaging 11.0 points per game to go along with 4.5 boards per game. Senior forward Brooke Tonsfeldt is the leading rebounder for the Mavericks averaging 8.5 boards per game.

Minnesota State History: The 2020-21 season marks the 56th season in Minnesota State women's basketball program history, dating back to 1966. During that span the Mavericks totaled an all-time record of 747-635 (.540).

About Augustana: Last weekend Augustana University began competition hosting the MSU Moorhead Dragons and splitting the pair of games. The Vikings are led by 32nd year head coach Dave Krauth. 

Augustana's top offensive threat is senior guard Izzy Van Veldhuizen who is averaging 16 points per game and she is joined by sophomore forward Aislinn Duffy who is putting up 15.5 points per game. Senior wing Hannah Mitby is the leading rebounder for the Vikings averaging 4.5 boards a game.

For the teams, these games will mark the 78th and 79th all-time meetings with the Vikings holding a 30-47 advantage. Minnesota State and Augustana split their games last year with the Mavericks winning 61-60 at home and the Vikings winning 87-78 in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Looking Ahead: After the two-game series with the Vikings, the Mavericks will open up their home schedule with a two-game series against Wayne State Friday and Saturday.