MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team begins its 2021-22 season this weekend as it takes part in the Central Region Challenge in Kansas City, Mo. The Mavericks will take on Missouri Western State on Friday at 7:45 p.m., and Lincoln on Sunday at 11:00 a.m.

Minnesota State History: The 2021-22 season marks the 100th campaign as a varsity sport for Minnesota State men's basketball. The Mavericks are 1,381-923 (.599) in 2,304 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 190-84 (.693) 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 Griffons: Friday's game between Minnesota State and Missouri Western State will be their first ever meeting.

Against the Blue Tigers: Sunday's game between Minnesota State and Lincoln will be their third meeting between them. The Mavericks are 1-1 against the Blue Tigers, including a 120-80 loss back during the 1965-66 season.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State finished its 2020-21 season with a 10-7 record, including a 9-5 NSIC record. The Mavericks fell to MSU Moorhead 73-61 in double overtime in the first round of the NSIC/Sanford Health Tournament.

As a team, MSU averaged 78.6 points and 38.9 rebounds per game last season, while shooting 46.4% from the field, including a 38.9% showing from long range. The Mavericks also passed out 228 assists and recorded 66 blocks.

Four Mavericks averaged more than 10 points per game last season including sophomore Quincy Anderson who led the team with 17.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. Junior Devonte Thedford posted 13.5 points and a team-best 3.5 assists per game, while sophomore Malik Willingham tallied 11.6 points per game and a team-best 41 three pointers. Sophomore Ryland Holt notched 10.8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game also. Junior Kelby Kramer posted 6.8 points, a team-leading 7.2 rebounds and a team-best 35 blocks also.

The Mavericks are led by Matt Margenthaler, who is in his 21st season at Minnesota State. He owns a career record of 420-187 (.691).

Concerning the Griffons: Missouri Western State enters the weekend the owner of a 1-1 record, which includes a 83-77 overtime loss to Embry-Riddle and a 83-82 win over St. Thomas Aquinas. 

As a unit, Missouri Western is averaging 85.0 points and 39.0 rebounds per game, while shooting 47.2% from the field and 50.9% from three point range. The Griffons have passed out 26 assists, but have committed 37 turnovers.

The Griffons have four players averaging at least 10.5 points per game this season, including JaQuaylon Mays who is averaging 26.5 points and 4.5 assists a game this season. Reese Glover is averaging 16.5 points per game and has connected on 11-of-20 (.550) shots from behind the three point line. Caleb Bennett is averaging 15.5 points per game also, while Will Eames has posted 10.5 points and a team-high 13.0 rebounds per game.

Missouri Western is coached by Will Martin who is in his second season as head coach of the Griffons. He owns a 16-11 record. 

Concerning the Blue Tigers: Lincoln opens its season at the Central Region Challenge this weekend after posting a 12-10 record last season. The Blue Tigers reached the MIAA Tournament last year but fell to Missouri Western 84-76 in overtime in the first round.

As a team, LU averaged 75.63 points and 34.5 rebounds per game last season, while shooting 47.0% from the field. The Blue Tigers also passed out 300 assists and forced 344 turnovers.  LU also shot 35.3% from behind the three point line and 65.3% from the free throw line.

Four Blue Tigers averaged more than 11 points per game last season, including Derrick Woods who tallied 11.2 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. Yaniel Vidal averaged 9.0 points per game and finished second on the team in both steals (37) and assists (35). Vidal also led the team in three pointers made with 54.

The Blue Tigers are led by Ed Wilson who is in his first season as Interim Head Coach at Lincoln.