MANKATO, Minn. --- #3 Minnesota State opens action in the second round of the NSIC Tournament on Saturday as it takes on Sioux Falls. Tip-off is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D.

The winner of the game between MSU and USF will take on the winner of the game between Southwest Minnesota State and Minot State on Monday at 11:00 a.m. in the semifinals of the NSIC Tournament at the Sanford Pentagon.

The Mavericks own a 21-12 record in NSIC Tournament games. MSU has won two NSIC Tournament Championships during the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons.
  
Minnesota State History: The 2023-24 season marks the 102nd campaign as a varsity sport for Minnesota State men's basketball. The Mavericks are 1,440-947 (.603) in 2,387 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 two tournament championships.

The Mavericks won the 2023-24 NSIC regular season championship with its 82-62 win over Minnesota Crookston on Feb. 23. It marks their first NSIC Championship since the 2013-14 season. 

Against the Cougars: Saturday's game between Minnesota State and Sioux Falls marks their 34th meeting, with the Mavericks leading the all-time series 25-8. The Mavericks have won their last three meetings against USF, including a pair of wins (87-76 at home & 70-65 on the road) this season.

Senior Malik Willingham has averaged 22.5 points and 3.5 assists per game against USF this season, while junior Kyreese Willingham has notched 18.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. Junior Justin Eagins has tallied 12.0 points per game also.

Jack Thompson notched 20.0 points and 5.5 assists per game against MSU this season, while Shawn Warrior has tallied 14.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. Zane Alm has posted 12.5 points per game against the Mavericks also.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 21-7 record against Sioux Falls, including a 1-0 record at the Sanford Pentagon.

The Mavericks and Cougars have met once in the NSIC Tournament. MSU defeated USF 60-59 in the second round of the NSIC Tournament during the 2019-20 season in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State enters the weekend the owner of a 26-2 record, including a 20-2 NSIC record. Last weekend, the Mavericks defeated Minnesota Crookston (82-62) and Bemidji State (76-66) at Taylor Center.

As a team, MSU is averaging 87.0 points and 39.6 rebounds per game, while shooting 49.1% from the field and 37.4% from three point range. The Mavericks have also passed out 436 assists and have forced 331 turnovers.

Senior Malik Willingham is averaging 18.7 points, 3.4 rebounds and 4.4 assists a game this season. Junior Kyreese Willingham is posting 13.9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game also, while graduate student Dylan Peeters has posted 10.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. Junior Justin Eagins is averaging 12.5 points a game also and has connected on 64 three pointers. Graduate student Elijah Hazekamp is averaging 10.5 points and 5.3 rebounds a game also.

The Mavericks are led by Matt Margenthaler, who is in his 23rd season at Minnesota State. He owns a career record of 479-211 (.694).

Concerning the Cougars: Sioux Falls enters the weekend the owner of a 13-16 overall record, including a 9-13 NSIC record. USF defeated Bemidji State 68-66 at home this past Wednesday to advance to the second round of the NSIC Tournament.

As a unit, Sioux Falls is averaging 72.4 points and 36.7 rebounds per game, while shooting 43.2% from the field and 35.0% from three point range. The Cougars have passed out 410 assists and have forced 314 turnovers.

Jack Thompson is averaging 15.2 points and 4.0 assists per game, while Noah Puetz has tallied 11.1 points and 4.5 rebounds a game. Shawn Warrior is averaging 10.6 points and 5.2 rebounds a game also.

Sioux Falls is coached by Chris Johnson who is in his 16th season as head coach of the Cougars and 17th overall season. He owns a 267-197 record at USF and a 283-212 overall record.

All-NSIC Honors: Five Mavericks claimed NSIC honors for their efforts during the 2023-24 season. Senior Malik Willingham was named the NSIC Player of the Year and All-NSIC First Team. 

Junior Kyreese Willingham was named to the All-NSIC First Team, while both junior Justin Eagins and graduate student Dylan Peeters were named to the All-NSIC Second Team.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler was named the NSIC Coach of the Year for the fourth time in his career.

Regional Rankings: Minnesota State was ranked No. 1 in the second edition of the NCAA Central Region rankings.