MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State continues its NSIC schedule this Tuesday on the road as it travels to Minnesota Duluth. Tip-off between the Mavericks and Bulldogs is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Romano Gymnasium.

Minnesota State History: The 2024-25 season marks the 103rd campaign as a varsity sport for Minnesota State men's basketball. The Mavericks are 1,464-956 (.604) in 2,420 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 242-121 (.667) 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 Bulldogs: Tuesday's meeting between Minnesota State and Minnesota Duluth marks their 85th all-time meeting with MSU leading the series 48-36. Last season, the Mavericks went 2-1 against UMD, including a 97-77 win in the finals of the NSIC Tournament at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Senior Justin Eagins averaged 16.7 points and 2.6 assists per game against the Bulldogs last season, while senior Kyreese Willingham notches 13.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game

Charlie Katona averaged 17.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game against the Mavericks last season. Austin Andrews averaged 11.3 points and 4.3 rebounds a game as well.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 23-9 record against Minnesota Duluth, including a 7-6 record at on the road.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State enters the week the owner of a 16-9 record, including a 12-5 NSIC record. Last week, MSU defeated Wayne State 83-53 at home, before besting Sioux Falls 75-73 on the road.

As a team, MSU is averaging 78.8 points and 37.6 rebounds per game, while shooting 45.2% from the field and 34.9% from three point range. The Mavericks have passed out 364 assists and forced 291 turnovers.

Senior Kyreese Willingham is leading the team with 18.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, while senior Justin Eagins has notched 14.2 points and 5.0 assists per game. Senior Harrison Braudis is averaging 11.2 points per game, while sophomore Caden Kirkman has tallied 10.5 points and 6.3 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 504-220 (.696). 

Concerning the Bulldogs: Minnesota Duluth enters week the owner of a 16-7 record, including an 11-6 NSIC record. Last week UMD defeated Southwest Minnesota State 63-44 at home and Augustana 76-66 on the road.

As a team, UMD is averaging 76.5 points and 36.7 rebounds per game, while shooting 47.9% from the field and 35.9% from three point range. The Bulldogs have passed out 276 assists and have forced 282 turnovers.

Charlie Katona leads the Bulldogs with 16.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game this season. Joshua Brown is averaging 11.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, while Austin Andrews has tallied 10.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.

Minnesota Duluth is coach by Justin Wieck, who is in his seventh season with the Bulldogs. He owns a 138-56 (.711) career record.