MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball teams opens its NSIC North Division schedule this weekend as it takes on #5 Minnesota Duluth on Friday at 5:30 p.m., and St. Cloud State on Saturday at 3:30 p.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 1,391-927 (.600) in 2,318 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 194-88 (.687) record to go with four regular-season championships and two tournament championships.

Against the Bulldogs: Friday's game between Minnesota State and Minnesota Duluth marks their 78th meeting between them, with MSU leading the all-time series 45-32. The Mavericks have won their last two meetings with the Bulldogs, including a 79-73 win in the semifinals of the NSIC Tournament back in 2020.

Sophomore Ryland Holt notched 17 points and three rebounds for the Mavericks in their most recent encounter, while Drew Blair tallied nine points and three rebounds for the Bulldogs.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 22-6 record against Minnesota Duluth, including a 7-4 record on the road.

Against the Huskies: Saturday's game between Minnesota State St. Cloud State will be their 194th meeting, with SCSU leading the all-time series 92-91. The Mavericks have won their last three games against the Huskies, including an 84-69 nonconference win at Taylor Center earlier this season.

Four Mavericks netted at least 10 points in their win over the Huskies earlier this season, including junior Kelby Kramer who notched a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Junior Devonte Thedford and sophomore Quincy Anderson each tallied 15 points also, with Thedford passing out five assists and Anderson hauling in seven rebounds.

Caleb Donaldson paced St. Cloud State with 29 points, while Anthony Roberts tallied 17 points and three steals.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 22-18 record against SCSU, including an 8-9 record on the road.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State enters the week the owner of a 10-4 record, including a 4-4 NSIC record. This past weekend, MSU defeated Concordia-St. Paul 81-66 at home.

As a team, MSU is averaging 81.0 points and 38.1 rebounds per game while shooting 49.4% from the field. The Mavericks are also shooting 33.3% from three-point range and have passed out 152 assists and blocked 77 shots.

Sophomore Quincy Anderson is leading the Mavericks with 18.6 points and 5.9 rebounds per game this season. Junior Devonte Thedford has tallied 12.5 points per game and is shooting 53.6% from the field. Freshman Brady Williams is averaging 12.7 points a game also, while sophomore Malik Willingham has posted 9.0 points per game also.

The Mavericks are led by Matt Margenthaler, who is in his 21st season at Minnesota State. He owns a career record of 430-191 (.692).

Concerning the Bulldogs: #5 Minnesota Duluth enters the weekend the owner of a 14-0 record, including a 7-0 NSIC record. This past weekend UMD, defeated #23 Ferris State 109-107 in double overtime on the road.

As a unit, UMD is averaging 87.8 points and 37.4 rebounds per game, while shooting 52.5% from the field and 38.6% from three point land. The Bulldogs have passed out 229 assists and have recorded 88 steals.

Drew Blair is averaging 18.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, while Austin Andrews has tallied 17.5 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. Joshua Brown has posted 14.5 points a game as well, while Jack Middleton has recorded 11.2 points and a team-best 3.4 assists a game. 

Minnesota Duluth is coached by Justin Wieck who is in his fourth season with the Bulldogs. He owns a 48-22 record at UMD and a career record of 80-53.

Concerning the Huskies: St. Cloud State enters the weekend the owner of a 7-6 record, including a 4-3 NSIC record. SCSU split its most recent games against MSU Moorhead on Dec. 17 (L, 97-63) and Northern State on Dec. 18 (W, 84-80).

As a team, SCSU is averaging 81.2 points and 33.6 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 49.2% from the field and 33.2% from three point range. The Huskies have passed out 167 assists and have recorded 68 steals.

Anthony Roberts leads SCSU with 19.9 points and 8.2 rebounds per game this season, while Caleb Donaldson has tallied 16.5 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. Ryan Bagley has posted 11.5 points and 6.1 rebounds per game also.

St. Cloud State is coached by Matt Riemer who is in his eighth season with the Huskies. He owns a 124-88 record.