MANKATO, Minn. --- The #12 Minnesota State men's basketball team continues its homestand this weekend as it takes on Waldorf on Friday and Bethany Lutheran College on Saturday. Game times are set for 6:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m., respectively.
  
Minnesota State History: The 2023-24 season marks the 102nd campaign as a varsity sport for Minnesota State men's basketball. The Mavericks are 1,418-945 (.600) in 2,363 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 Warriors: Friday's game between Minnesota State and Waldorf marks their 13th all-time meeting. The Mavericks own an 11-1 record. MSU has won its last 11 games against the Warriors, including a 103-73 win at Taylor Center during the 2021-22 season. 

Junior Brady Williams notched 17 points and two steals against Waldorf, while senior Malik Willingham and junior Kyreese Willingham tallied nine points each.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 6-0 record against Waldorf, including a 6-0 record at Taylor Center.

Against the Vikings: Saturday's game between Minnesota State and Bethany Lutheran marks their eighth all-time meeting, with MSU winning all seven of their previous encounters.

MSU defeated BLC 116-98 in their last meeting during the 2022-23 season at Taylor Center.

Junior Harrison Braudis recorded 26 points, while junior Brady Williams notched a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Junior Kyreese Willingham recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds also.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 7-0 record against Bethany Lutheran, including a 7-0 record at Taylor Center.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State enters the weekend the owner of a 4-0 record, including wins at St. Cloud State (78-61) and vs. Dakota State (116-62) at home.

As a team, MSU is averaging 88.3 points and 39.0 rebounds per game, while shooting 55.0% from the field. The Mavericks have also passed out 75 assists and have forced 37 turnovers.

Senior Malik Willingham is averaging 17.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists a game this season. Junior Kyreese Willingham is posting 13.3 points and 3.5 rebounds per game also, while junior Justin Eagins is averaging 11.5 points and 3.8 rebounds a game.

The Mavericks are led by Matt Margenthaler, who is in his 23rd season at Minnesota State. He owns a career record of 457-209 (.686).

Concerning the Warriors: Waldorf enters the weekend the owner of a 2-4 record. In their most recent outing against Central College, the Warriors fell by the score of 75-65. This game will count as an exhibition for Waldorf.

As a unit, Waldorf is averaging 70.8 points and 35.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 38.8% from the field and 38.0% from three point range. The Warriors have passed out 12.0  assists, but have committed 13.8 turnovers a game.

Khalil Grayson leads the Warriors with 16.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, while Kaelon Harkema has tallied 11.6 points and 3.4 rebounds a game. Ugo Ejiofor has notched 11.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game also.

Waldorf is coached by Nigel Jenkins who is in his 13th season with the Warriors. He owns a 128-186 (.407) record.
 
Concerning the Vikings: Bethany Lutheran College owns a 3-2 record on the season, including a win against Marian University (85-67) in its most recent outing. This game against MSU will count as an exhibition for BLC.

As a team, BLC is averaging 83.8 points and 42.2 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 45.6% from the field and 33.1% from three point range. The Vikings have passed out 19.4 assists a game and have forced 64 turnovers.

Drew Sagedahl is averaging 22.0 points and 3.5 rebounds per game this season, while Hunter Nielsen has tallied 16.0 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. Mason Ackley has tallied 10.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists a game also.

Bethany Lutheran is coached by Pat Garvin, who is in his fourth season as head coach of the Vikings. He owns a 46-23 (.667) record.