MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State continues its season this weekend as it travels to Sioux Falls, S.D., to take part in the USF Classic. The Mavericks will take on Grand Valley State on Friday, before wrapping up the weekend on Saturday against Chadron State. Both games are scheduled for 5:00 p.m. tip-offs at Stewart Center.

Minnesota State History: The 2025-26 season marks the 104th campaign as a varsity sport for Minnesota State men's basketball. The Mavericks are 1,472-960 (.605) in 2,432 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 245-123 (.665) 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. The Mavericks would go on to win their first NCAA Championship as they defeated Nova Southeastern 88-85 in the NCAA Championship game.

Preseason NSIC Notes: Minnesota State was picked to finish third in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll this season. The Mavericks were also picked to finish third in the NSIC south division. Southwest Minnesota State was picked to finish first in the overall poll and in the south division poll, while St. Cloud State was picked to finish second in both.

Maverick senior Malcolm Jones was named MSU's Player to Watch for the upcoming season.

Last season, Jones played in 30 games and averaged 4.0 points and 3.8 rebounds per game, while shooting 51% from the field. In MSU's road game against Southwest Minnesota State last season, Jones notched 13 points and eight rebounds.

Against the Lakers: Friday's meeting game between Minnesota State and Grand Valley State marks their fourth all-time meeting, with MSU leading the series 2-1. In their most recent meeting, the Mavericks bested the Lakers 79-74 back on Nov. 18, 2000 in Taylor Center.

Against the Eagles: Saturday's game between Minnesota State and Chadron State marks their third all-time meeting, with MSU owning a 2-0 record. The Mavericks defeated the Eagles 90-77 in the most recent meeting back on Nov. 19, 1999 in Mankato.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State enters the weekend the owner of a 4-1 record. Last week, MSU bested Central Missouri (81-63) and Henderson State (93-84) in Pittsburg, Kan., before topping Crown 106-74 in its home opener.

As a team, MSU is averaging 80.8 points and 41.2 rebounds per game, while shooting 46.0% from the field and 32.6% from three point range. The Mavericks have passed out 73 assists and have forced 58 turnovers.

Senior Malcolm Jones leads the Mavericks with 17.2 points and 8.0 rebounds per game this season. Junior Traijan Sain has notched 14.3 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, while junior Caden Kirkman has tallied 11.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Junior Arhman Lewis is posting 9.6 points and 4.2 assists a game, while freshman Colton Benson has tallied 9.6 points a game, including a team-leading eight three pointers. 

The Mavericks are led by Matt Margenthaler, who is in his 25th season at Minnesota State. He owns a career record of 512-224 (.695). 

Concerning the Lakers: Grand Valley State enters the weekend the owner of a 2-0 record. Last weekend on the road, GVSU bested Ashland (74-55) and Indianapolis (75-66).

As a team, GVSU is averaging 74.5 points and 36.0 rebounds per game this season, while shooting 41.9% from the field and 28.6% from three point range. The Lakers have passed out 22 assists and have forced 39 turnovers.

Trevor Smith Jr. has notched 14.0 points and 3.0 rebounds per game, while Mason Docks has tallied 11.5 points and 4.0 assists a game. Jalen Charity has tallied 9.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game also.

Grand Valley State is coached by Cornell Mann who is in his fourth season as head coach of the Lakers. He owns a career record of 52-40 (.565).

Concerning the Eagles: Chadron State enters the weekend the owner of a 1-2 record. Last week, CSC fell to West Texas A&M by the scores of 98-76 & 118-83, before besting the University of Mary 83-82.

As a team, CSC is averaging 80.7 points and 35.0 rebounds per game last season, while shooting 45.3% from the field and 36.8% from three point range. The Eagles have passed out 34 assists and forced 30 turnovers.

Isaiah Randolph has tallied 17.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, while Jadon Cool has notched 16.0 points and 2.0 rebounds per game. Zach Smith has notched 10.3 points and 2.0 rebounds per game also.

Chadron State is coached by Chris Francis who is in his 2nd season as head coach at Chadron State and his 11th overall season. He owns a 16-16 (.500) record at Chadron State and a 191-111 (632) career record.