MANKATO, Minn. --- The #17 Minnesota State men's basketball team returns to NSIC action this week as it hosts a 5:30 p.m., game against #19 Upper Iowa this Thursday at Taylor Center, before heading to Winona State on Saturday for a 1:30 p.m., tip-off.

Minnesota State History: The 2021-22 season marks the 100th campaign as a varsity sport for Minnesota State men's basketball. The Mavericks are 1,387-923 (.600) in 2,310 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 191-84 (.694) record to go with four regular-season championships and two tournament championships.

Against the Peacocks: Thursday's game between Minnesota State and Upper Iowa marks their 32nd all-time meeting with MSU leading the all-time series 22-9. The Peacocks have won their last four meetings against the Mavericks, including a pair of wins (96-94 & 94-87) in Fayette last season.

Sophomore Ryland Holt averaged 17.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game against the Peacocks last season, while junior Devonte Thedford averaged 15.0 points a game. Sophomore Quincy Anderson posted 13.0 points and 6.5 rebounds per game also, while junior Kelby Kramer notched 9.5 points and 12.0 rebounds a game.

Joe Smoldt recorded 25.5 points and 4.5 assists per game against MSU last season, while Jareese Williams tallied 20.0 points as he shot 9-of-20 (.450) from three point range. Jake Hilmer recorded 15.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game also.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 22-9 record against Upper Iowa, including an 11-4 record at Taylor Center.

Against the Warriors: Saturday's game between Minnesota State and Winona State marks their 142nd meeting, with MSU leading the all-time series 89-52. Last season, the Mavericks and the Warriors split a pair of games at Taylor Center, with WSU winning the first game 86-71, before MSU evened the weekend with an 89-64 win in the second game.

Sophomore Quincy Anderson led the Mavericks with 22.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per game against the Warriors last season, while junior Devonte Thedford posted 15.5 points and 5.0 assists a game. Sophomore Malik Willingham added 11.0 points per game also.

Luke Martens notched 12.0 points and 5.0 rebounds a game against the Mavericks last season, while Connor Dillon added 11.0 points per game.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 17-23 record against Winona State, including a 7-11 record on the road.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State enters the week the owner of a 6-0 record, including a 1-0 NSIC record. Last week, MSU posted wins against Concordia-St. Paul (81-66), Bethany Lutheran (96-66) and Waldorf (103-73).

As a team, MSU is averaging 89.0 points and 40.2 rebounds per game while shooting 54.7% from the field. The Mavericks are also shooting 35.0% from three point range and have passed out 75 assists.

Sophomore Quincy Anderson is leading the Mavericks with 16.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game this season. Junior Devonte Thedford has tallied 14.0 points per game and is shooting 62.7% from the field. Freshman Brady Williams is averaging 12.2 points a game also, while sophomore Malik Willingham has posted 9.3 points per game.

The Mavericks are led by Matt Margenthaler, who is in his 21st season at Minnesota State. He owns a career record of 463-187 (.694).

Concerning the Peacocks: Upper Iowa enters the weekend the owner of 6-0 record, including a 1-0 NSIC record. Last week, UIU bested Winona State (85-72) and #2 Truman State (103-77) at home.

As a unit, UIU is averaging 86.5 points and 35.3 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 48.3% from the field and 41.3% from three point range. The Peacocks have passed out 89 assists and have recorded 35 steals.

Jareese Williams leads the UIU offense with 18.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game this season, while Joe Smoldt has notched 16.7 points and 4.0 rebounds a game. Jake Hilmer has tallied 14.7 points and 5.1 assists a game also.

Upper Iowa is coached by Brooks McKowen who is in his ninth season as head coach of the Peacocks. He owns a 130-110 record.

Concerning the Warriors: Winona State enters the week the owner of a 4-2 record, including a 0-1 NSIC record. Last week WSU fell to Upper Iowa (85-72) and MSU Moorhead (76-67) before besting the University of Mary 86-70. WSU's games against MSU Moorhead and UMary were nonconference games.

As a team, WSU is averaging 77.8 points and 33.8 rebounds per game this season while shooting 49.6% from the field and 35.8% from three point range. WSU has tallied 84 assists and 28 steals also.

Alex Rosner is averaging 17.8 points and 3.8 rebounds per game this season, while Devin Whitelow has notched 10.5 points and 4.1 assists a game. Connor Drew has posted 9.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game also.

Winona State is coached by Todd Eisner who is in his seventh season with the Warriors and 24th season overall. He owns an 82-70 record at Winona State and a 505-242 overall record.