MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team begins a four-game road trip this weekend as it travels to Upper Iowa for a pair of games. Friday's tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., with Saturday's start time 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 1,379-920 (.599) in 2,299 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 188-82 (.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 Peacocks: This weekend's games between Minnesota State and Upper Iowa will be their 30th and 31st all-time meetings between them, with Minnesota State leading the all-time series 22-7. The Peacocks swept the season series last season (89-81 & 92-88 OT).

Sophomore Ryland Holt averaged 21.0 points and 11.0 rebounds per game against the Peacocks last season as he shot 62.5% from the field. Junior Kelby Kramer averaged 7.0 points and 3.5 blocks per game against UIU also.

As a team, MSU shot 51.2% from the field against the Peacocks last season, to go along with a 33-of-44 (.750) showing from the line. MSU also passed out 24 assists and blocked 16 shots.

Jake Hilmer averaged 18.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game against the Mavericks last season, while Joe Smoldt tallied 15.5 points and 3.0 rebounds a game

As a unit, UIU shot 42.4% from the field against the Mavericks last season, including a 45.5% (25-of-55) showing from behind the three point line. The Peacocks also forced 33 MSU turnovers and tallied 17 steals. 

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 22-7 record against Upper Iowa, including an 11-2 record on the road.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State enters the weekend the owner of an 8-4 record including a 7-3 NSIC record. Last weekend, the Mavericks split their series with Winona State, losing the first game 86-71, before earning a split with an 89-64 win in the second game.

As a team, MSU is averaging 76.3 points and 36.5 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 46.5% from the field. The Mavericks have also passed out 157 assists and have recorded 43 blocks.

Four Mavericks are averaging more than 10 points per game this season including sophomore Quincy Anderson who leads the team with 18.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Junior Devonte Thedford is averaging 12.5 points and a team-best 4.1 assists per game, while sophomore Malik Willingham has tallied 11.6 points per game. Sophomore Ryland Holt is averaging 10.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game also.

The Mavericks are led by Matt Margenthaler, who is in his 20th season at Minnesota State. He owns a career record of 418-184 (.694).

Concerning the Peacocks: Upper Iowa enters the weekend the owner of a 7-5 record, including a 5-3 NSIC record. UIU has won its last five outings, including a pair road wins at Concordia-St. Paul (84-76 & 99-74) last weekend.

As a unit, Upper Iowa is averaging 88.8 points and 33.0 rebounds per game while shooting 44.6% from the field and 40.7% from three point range. The Peacocks have passed out 177 assists and have recorded 91 steals.

Jareese Williams leads the Peacocks this season with 17.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. Lucas Duax has tallied 16.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per game as well, while Joe Smoldt has notched 15.7 points a game. Jake Hilmer has posted 14.4 points and 4.9 assists a game also.

Brooks McKowen is in his eight season as head coach at Upper Iowa. He owns a 121-98 record.