MANKATO, Minn. --- #1 Minnesota State opens its 2024-25 regular season schedule this weekend as it travels to Lakeland, Fla. to compete in the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Classic.

The Mavericks open the event on Saturday as they take on host #19 Florida Southern at 4:45 p.m. (CT), before squaring off with #9 North Georgia on Sunday at 7 p.m. (CT).
  
Minnesota State History: The 2024-25 season marks the 103rd campaign as a varsity sport for Minnesota State men's basketball. The Mavericks are 1,448-947 (.604) in 2,395 games since the program's inception in the 1920-21 season. Since joining the NSIC prior to the start of the 2008-09 season, MSU has put together a 230-116 (.664) conference record to go with five regular-season championships and three tournament championships.

The Mavericks won the 2023-24 NSIC regular season championship with an 82-62 win over Minnesota Crookston on Feb. 23. It marked their first NSIC Championship since the 2013-14 season. MSU then went on to win the NSIC Tournament Championship with its 97-77 win over Minnesota Duluth in the finals of the conference tournament.

After defeating Arkansas Tech (75-68), MSU Moorhead (78-55) and Northwest Missouri State (43-42) in the 2024 NCAA Central Region Tournament, Minnesota State advanced to its second NCAA Elite Eight under head coach Matt Margenthaler. Wins over Ferris State (98-70) and West Texas A&M (79-72) saw the Mavericks reach the NCAA Championship game for the first time in team history. MSU would go on to defeat Nova Southeastern 88-85, including the game-winning three pointer from senior Kyreese Willingham with 0.8 remaining, to win its first NCAA DII Championship in team history.  

Against the Mocs: Saturday's game between Minnesota State and Florida Southern marks their third all-time meeting. The Mocs have won both of the previous encounters, including a 63-46 win during the 1995-96 season and a 68-60 win during the 1990-91 season. Both games were hosted by the Mocs in Lakeland.

Against the Nighthawks: Sunday's game between Minnesota State and North Georgia will be their first ever meeting.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State finished its 2023-24 season with a 35-2 record to win its first NCAA DII Championship in team history. The Mavericks also claimed their fifth Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference regular season championship behind a 20-2 league record. MSU also won its third NSIC Tournament championship as well. 

As a team, MSU averaged 84.9 points and 38.7 rebounds per game, while shooting 49.1% from the field and 38.2% from three point range. The Mavericks also passed out 561 assists and forced 433 turnovers.

Senior Kyreese Willingham averaged 14.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per game last season, while senior Justin Eagins posted 12.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, while connecting on 86 three pointers. 

The Mavericks are led by Matt Margenthaler, who is in his 24th season at Minnesota State. He owns a career record of 488-211 (.699).

Concerning the Mocs: #19 Florida Southern finished its 2023-24 season with a 23-10 record, including a 15-5 record in the Sun Shine State Conference. The Mocs finished second in their conference standings and advanced to the "Sweet 16" of the NCAA Tournament last season where they fell to Nova Southeastern 98-66.

As a team last season, Florida Southern averaged 88.9 points and 44.2 rebounds per game while shooting 45.5% from the field and 35.2% from three point range. The Mocs also passed out 551 assists and blocked 222 shots.

Alex Steen averaged 16.6 points and 10.6 rebounds per game last season while shooting 58.6% from the field. Dominick Denny averaged 12.0 points and 6.0 assists per game, while Erickson Bans posted 10.5 points a game while making 46 three pointers.

Florida Southern is coached by Mike Donnelly who is in his 10th season at Florida Southern and 22nd overall season. He owns a 161-96 (.626) record with the Mocs and a 356-248 (.589) overall record.

Concerning the Nighthawks: #9 North Georgia finished its 2023-24 season with a 28-7 record, including a 13-5 Peach Belt Conference record. The Nighthawks won the PBC Tournament championship before advancing to the NCAA Elite Eight where they fell to West Texas A&M by the score of 90-76.

As a team, North Georgia averaged 77.9 points and 36.7 rebounds per game last season, while shooting 49.8% from the field and 35.4% from three point range. The Nighthawks passed out 527 assists and blocked 144 shots.

AJ White averaged 16.8 points a game and led the team in three pointers made with 69. Cayden Charles posted 11.7 points and 6.4 rebounds a game also.
North Georgia is led by Dan Evans who is in his sixth season as head coach of the Nighthawks. He owns a 79-56 (.603) record at North Georgia and a 155-142 (.522) career record.

Rewriting the Record Book: Minnesota State established single-season highs in several team categories last season.

Scoring - 3,141 points
Field Goals Made - 1,159
Field Goals Attempted - 2,362
3pt Field Goals - 342
3pt Field Goals Attempted - 895
Most Games Played - 37
Wins in a Season - 35