MANKATO, Minn. --- #1 Minnesota State returns to action this weekend at the Central Region Challenge in Kansas City, Mo. as the Mavericks take on Southern Arkansas on Friday at 1 p.m. and #10 Washburn on Saturday at 3 p.m.
  
Minnesota State History: The 2024-25 season marks the 103rd campaign as a varsity sport for Minnesota State men's basketball. The Mavericks are 1,448-949 (.604) in 2,397 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 Muleriders: Friday's game between Minnesota State and Southern Arkansas marks the second all-time meeting. MSU defeated SAU 90-70 last season.

Seniors Justin Eagins and Kyreese Willingham each recorded 13 points, with Eagins also posting five rebounds and four assists.

Christian Caldwell paced the Muleriders with 18 points.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 1-0 record against Southern Arkansas.

Against the Ichabods: Saturday's game between Minnesota State and Washburn marks their fourth all-time meeting with MSU leading the series 2-1. WU defeated MSU 78-71 in overtime during their last meeting in Kansas City back on Nov. 8, 2019.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 1-1 record against Washburn.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State enters the weekend the owner of a 0-2 record as the Mavericks fell to Florida Southern (91-86 OT) and North Georgia (57-49) last weekend in Lakeland, Fla.

As a team, MSU is averaging 67.5 points and 38.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 40.6% from the field and 28.3% from three point range. The Mavericks have passed out 24 assists and forced 12 turnovers.

Junior David Harmon is averaging 13.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, this season, while senior Harrison Braudis has tallied 13.0 points per game. Senior Kyreese Willingham is averaging 12.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per game also.  

The Mavericks are led by Matt Margenthaler, who is in his 24th season at Minnesota State. He owns a career record of 488-213 (.696).

Concerning the Muleriders: Southern Arkansas opens its season this weekend at the Central Region Challenge. Last season, SAU went 11-18, including a 9-13 Great American Conference record. The Muleriders fell to Southeastern Oklahoma State 94-86 in the first round of the GAC Tournament.

As a team last season, Southern Arkansas averaged 71.8 points and 38.5 rebounds per game while shooting 43.6% from the field and 32.4% from three point range. The Muleriders also passed out 335 assists and forced 343 turnovers.

Carel Ray Jr. averaged 19.3 points and 8.0 rebounds per game last season, while Anthony Igiede tallied 10.6 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. Christian Caldwell tallied 7.4 points per game as well.

Mark Rutledge enters his first season as head coach of Southern Arkansas.

Concerning the Ichabods: #10 Washburn opens its season at the Central Region Challenge this weekend. Last season, Washburn went 19-11, including a 14-8 record in MIAA games. The Ichabods fell to Northwest Missouri State 76-59 in the second round of the MIAA Tournament.

As a team, Washburn averaged 76.3 points and 37.3 rebounds per game last season, while shooting 46.4% from the field and 37.5% from three point range. The Ichabods passed out 461 assists and recorded 194 steals.

Andrew Orr averaged 13.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game last season, while Sam Ungashick posted 12.2 points a game as he led the team in three pointers with 48. Jack Bachelor notched 11.5 points and 3.8 assists a game also.

Washburn is led by Brett Ballard who is in his eighth season with the Ichabods and 10th season overall. He owns a 137-75 (.646) record with Washburn and a 170-105 (.618) career record.