MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team opens its 2022-23 season this weekend at the Central Region Challenge in Kansas City, Mo., as it takes on Missouri Southern and Henderson State.

Tip-off vs. the Lions is scheduled for Friday, at 1:00 p.m. The Mavericks finish their weekend on Saturday as they take on the Reddies at 3:00 p.m. Both games will be held at the Municipal Auditorium.
  
Minnesota State History: The 2022-23 season marks the 101st campaign as a varsity sport for Minnesota State men's basketball. The Mavericks are 1,397-933 (.599) in 2,330 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 199-93 (.681) record to go with four regular-season championships and two tournament championships.

Against the Lions: Friday's game between Minnesota State and Missouri Southern will be their sixth meeting between them, with the Lions leading the series 3-2. Missouri Southern has won the last two meetings against the Mavericks, including a 74-69 win back during the 2019-20 season.

Senior Kelby Kramer recorded four points, seven rebounds and four blocks against the Lions. Christian Bundy recorded two rebounds and an assist for the Lions.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 2-3 record against Missouri Southern, including a 1-2 record in neutral site games.

Against the Reddies: Saturday's game against Henderson State will be the second all-time meeting between the Mavericks and the Reddies.

Minnesota State won their only meeting 75-70 during the 1977-78 season.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State finished its 2021-22 season with a 16-10 record as it reached the first round of the NSIC Tournament.

As a team, MSU averaged 77.5 points and 37.2 rebounds per game while shooting 47.7% from the field. The Mavericks also shot 34.1% from three-point range and passed out 285 assists and blocked 125 shots.

Sophomore Brady Williams averaged 12.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game last season. Junior Malik Willingham averaged 9.7 points and 2.2 assists per game last season, while senior Kelby Kramer averaged 6.4 points and a team-leading 7.1 rebounds per game.

The Mavericks are led by Matt Margenthaler, who is in his 22nd season at Minnesota State. He owns a career record of 436-197 (.688).

Concerning the Lions: Missouri Southern State finished its 2021-22 season with a 14-15 record as it reached the first round of the MIAA Tournament.

As a unit, MSSU averaged 73.8 points and 35.2 rebounds per game, while shooting 44.6% from the field and 36.9% from three point range. The Lions passed out 402 assists and recorded 188 steals.

Avery Taggart averaged 11.4 points and 2.4 assists per game last season, while connecting on 56 three pointers. Winston Dessesow averaged 11.3 points a game and connected on a team-leading 71 three pointers. Lawson Jenkins posted 7.9 points per game also.

Missouri Southern is coached by Sam McMahon who is in his first season as head coach of the Lions.

Concerning the Reddies: Henderson State finished its 2021-22 season with a 17-12 record as it advanced to the first round of the GAC Tournament. 

As a team, HSU averaged 70.1 points and 36.6 rebounds per game last season while shooting 42.5% from the field and 33.4% from three point range. The Reddies recorded 335 assists and posted 221 steals.

Alvin Miles led HSU last season with 10.2 points and 2.9 assists a game. Malik Riddle posted 9.5 points a game and led the team in three pointers with 35. Tomislav Miholjcic recorded 7.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game as well.

Jimmy Elgas is in his eighth season as head coach at Henderson State. He owns a 109-86 record.