MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State men's basketball team continues its season this Saturday on the road with a nonconference game against St. Cloud State at 2:00 p.m. The Mavericks then open their home schedule on Tuesday as they host a 5:00 p.m., game against Dakota State in Taylor Center.
  
Minnesota State History: The 2023-24 season marks the 102nd campaign as a varsity sport for Minnesota State men's basketball. The Mavericks are 1,416-945 (.599) in 2,361 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 210-104 (.668) record to go with four regular-season championships and two tournament championships.

Against the Huskies: Saturday's game between Minnesota State and St. Cloud State marks their 190th all-time meeting. The Mavericks own a 94-95 record against the Huskies, including wins in their last six meetings.

MSU defeated SCSU 78-65 in their most recent meeting last season. Junior Kyreese Willingham notched a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Senior Malik Willingham tallied 15 points and seven rebounds. Junior Tyrell Stuttley recorded 10 points and five rebounds also.

Matthew Willert paced St. Cloud state with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Luke Taylor notched 16 points and three rebounds.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 25-18 record against St. Cloud State, including a 10-9 record on the road.

Against the Trojans: Tuesday's game between Minnesota State and Dakota State marks their fifth all-time meeting, with MSU winning all four of their previous encounters.

MSU defeated DSU 82-73 in their last meeting during the 2021-22 season at Taylor Center.

Junior Brady Williams recorded 15 points and four rebounds, while senior Malik Willingham tallied 13 points and five rebounds. 

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 2-0 record against Dakota State, including a 2-0 record at Taylor Center.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State owns a 2-0 record on the season. Last weekend in Kansas City, Mo., MSU defeated both Southern Arkansas (90-70) and Arkansas-Monticello (69-57) at the Central Region Challenge.

As a team, MSU is averaging 79.5 points and 36.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 49.2% from the field. The Mavericks have also passed out 30 assists and have forced 17 turnovers.

Senior Malik Willingham is averaging 21.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists a game this season. Elijah Hazekamp and Dylan Peeters are averaging 11.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, while junior Kyreese Willingham has notched 10.5 points per game. Junior Justin Eagins has notched 10.0 points a game as well.

The Mavericks are led by Matt Margenthaler, who is in his 23rd season at Minnesota State. He owns a career record of 455-209 (.685).

Concerning the Huskies: St. Cloud State enters the weekend the owner of a 2-0 record. Last weekend, SCSU defeated both Pittsburg State (80-73) and Henderson State (74-64) at the Central Region Challenge in Kansas City, Mo.

As a unit, SCSU is averaging 77.0 points and 43.0 rebounds per game, while shooting 44.4% from the field and 38.6% from three point range. The Huskies have passed out 20 assists, but have committed 29 turnovers.

Morgan Lucas leads the Huskies with 17.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, while Anish Ramlall has tallied 14.5 points and 3.0 rebounds a game. Luke Taylor has notched 10.0 points per game also.

St. Cloud State is coached by Quincy Henderson who is in his second season with the Huskies. He owns a 12-18 (.400) record.
 
Concerning the Trojans: Dakota State owns a 6-3 record on the season, including a win against Dakota Wesleyan (77-76) in its most recent outing. DSU will take on Harris-Stowe State and Ozark Christian before facing the Mavericks on Tuesday.

As a team, DSU is averaging 76.9 points and 37.2 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 45.9% from the field and 38.0% from three point range. The Trojans have passed out 14.0 assists a game, but are averaging 15.1 turnovers a game.

Brayden Pankonen is averaging 11.9 points and 2.3 rebounds per game, while Mison Coilton has tallied 11.5 points and 5.4 rebounds a game. Kenny Haynes is averaging 10.0 points a game also.