MANKATO, Minn. --- #14 Minnesota State hits the road this weekend for a pair of NSIC games as it takes on Sioux Falls on Friday, at 7:30 p.m., and Southwest Minnesota State on Saturday, at 5:30 p.m.
  
Minnesota State History: The 2022-23 season marks the 101st campaign as a varsity sport for Minnesota State men's basketball. The Mavericks are 1,407-934 (.601) in 2,341 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 203-94 (.683) record to go with four regular-season championships and two tournament championships.

Against the Cougars: Friday's game between Minnesota State and Sioux Falls marks their 29th all-time meeting with MSU leading the series 21-7. The Mavericks swept the season series against the Cougars last season, including a 77-69 win in their most recent encounter.

Sophomore Harrison Braudis tallied 16 points and four rebounds, while junior Malik Willingham notched nine points.

Matt Cartwright led the Cougars with 29 points and five rebounds, while Chase Grinde recorded 10 points and 13 rebounds.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns an 18-6 record against Sioux Falls, including a 7-3 record on the road.

Against the Mustangs: Saturday's game between Minnesota State and Southwest Minnesota State marks their 68th meeting, with the Mavericks owning a 48-19 record against the Mustangs. SMSU swept the season series last season, including an 81-71 win in their most recent meeting.

Junior Malik Willingham notched 15 points for the Mavericks, while sophomore Harrison Braudis tallied 10 points and five assists.

Dunwa Omot posted 17 points and three rebounds, while Jake Phipps posted eight points and seven assists.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 27-13 record against Southwest Minnesota State, including an 11-7 record on the road.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State enters the week the owner of a 10-1 record, including a 4-1 NSIC record. MSU fell to Augustana 63-57, before defeating Wayne State 96-89.

As a team, MSU is averaging 87.4 points and 39.7 rebounds per game while shooting 49.5% from the field. The Mavericks are shooting 40.2% from three-point range and have passed out 168 assists and blocked 47 shots.

Junior Malik Willingham is averaging 20.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game this season. Sophomore Harrison Braudis is averaging 13.4 points per game and is shooting 58.9% from the field. Sophomore Kyreese Willingham has tallied 13.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game also, while senior Trevor Moore has posted 12.4 points and 4.1 rebounds per game as well.

The Mavericks are led by Matt Margenthaler, who is in his 22nd season at Minnesota State. He owns a career record of 446-198 (.692).

Concerning the Cougars: Sioux Falls enters the week the owner of an 8-3 record, including a 3-2 NSIC record. Last week, USF fell to Upper Iowa 92-71, before defeating Winona State 68-63.

As a unit, USF is averaging 71.9 points and 35.5 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 44.3% from the field and 35.5% from long range. The Cougars have passed out 164 assists and have recorded 60 steals.

Matt Cartwright leads USF with 21.9 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. Jack Thompson has tallied 11.5 points, 4.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game as well, while Chase Grinde has tallied 6.3 points and 6.0 rebounds a game.

Sioux Falls is coached by Chris Johnson who is in his 16th season as head coach of the Cougars. He owns an overall record of 251-176.

Concerning the Mustangs: Southwest Minnesota State enters the week the owner of a 5-4 record, including a 2-3 NSIC record. Last weekend, SMSU defeated Winona State 62-46, before falling to Upper Iowa 66-57.

As a team, the Mustangs are averaging 67.1 points and 34.2 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 45.8% from the field and 35.4% from three point range. SMSU has passed out 115 assists, but has committed 123 turnovers.

Dunwa Omot is averaging 13.3 points, 2.8 rebounds a game this season, while Anthony Costello  has posted 11.2 points and 3.9 rebounds a game. Jake Phipps has tallied 10.0 points and 8.2 rebounds per game also.

Brad Bigler is in his 14th season as head coach at Southwest Minnesota State. He owns a record of 210-169.