MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State opens a four-game homestand this weekend at Taylor Center as it hosts Bemidji State on Friday at 7:30 p.m., and Minnesota Crookston on Saturday at 5:30 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 1,457-954 (.604) in 2,411 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 235-119 (.663) 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 Beavers: Friday's meeting between Minnesota State and Bemidji State marks their marks their 115th all-time meeting, with MSU leading the series 76-38. The Mavericks won both of their meetings (76-66 at home & 94-92 OT on road) against the Beavers last season.

Senior Justin Eagins averaged 18.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game last season against BSU, while senior Kyreese Willingham tallied 10.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.

John Sutherland led BSU with 18.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game against the Mavericks last season. Tate Olson averaged 13.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game vs. MSU last season as well.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns an 18-7 record against Bemidji State, including a 10-5 record at Taylor Center.

Against the Golden Eagles: Saturday's game between Minnesota State and Minnesota Crookston will be their 30th all-time meeting. Minnesota State leads the series 28-1, including a pair of wins (101-64 on road & 82-62 at home) last season.

Senior Kyreese Willingham tallied 17.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game against UMC last season, while senior Harrison Braudis notched 10.0 points and 2.0 rebounds a game.

Reid Grant recorded 12.0 points and 3.0 rebounds a game vs. MSU last season, while Jordan Mitchell notched 7.0 points and 7.0 rebounds a game.

Head coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 24-1 record against Minnesota Crookston, including a 13-0 record at Taylor Center.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State enters the weekend the owner of a 9-7 record, including a 5-3 NSIC record. In its most recent outings on the road, MSU defeated UMary 90-49, before falling to Minot State 75-72. 

As a team, MSU is averaging 77.4 points and 38.4 rebounds per game, while shooting 45.2% from the field and 34.7% from three point range. The Mavericks have passed out 227 assists and forced 168 turnovers.

Senior Kyreese Willingham is leading the team with 16.9 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, while senior Justin Eagins has notched 14.1 points and 4.3 assists per game. Senior Harrison Braudis is averaging 11.6 points per game, while sophomore Caden Kirkman has tallied 10.5 points and 6.1 rebounds a game. 

The Mavericks are led by Matt Margenthaler, who is in his 24th season at Minnesota State. He owns a career record of 497-218 (.695).

Concerning the Beavers: Bemidji State enters weekend the owner of a 6-8 record, including a 3-5 NSIC record. Last weekend at home, BSU defeated Wayne State 76-68, before falling to Augustana 98-66.

As a team, BSU is averaging 74.6 points and 35.1 rebounds per game, while shooting 46.2% from the field and 33.8% from three point range. The Beavers have passed out 204 assists and have forced 131 turnovers.

John Sutherland is averaging 12.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, while Malang Athian has tallied 11.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. Tate Olson has notched 10.8 points and 3.2 assists per game and is tied for the team-lead in three pointers made with 21.

The Beavers are coach by Mike Boschee who is in his 13th season as head coach at Bemidji State and 22nd overall season. He owns a 154-183 (.457) record at BSU and a 269-298 (474) career record.

Concerning the Golden Eagles: Minnesota Crookston enters the weekend the owner of a 3-11 record, including a 2-6 NSIC record. UMC has lost its last three games, including a pair of losses at home vs. Southwest Minnesota State (70-44) and Sioux Falls (85-66) last weekend.

As a team, UMC is averaging 68.6 points and 34.1 rebounds per game, while shooting 41.4% from the field and 32.7% from three point range. The Golden Eagles have passed out 160 assists and have forced 159 turnovers.

Reid Grant is averaging 14.9 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.1 assists a game, while Chandler Meeks has tallied 10.2 points a game. Jordan Mitchell is averaging 8.1 points and 7.0 rebounds a game as well.

Matt Ryan Beamish is in his third season as head coach at Minnesota Crookston. He owns an 11-59 (.157) record.