MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State wraps up its regular season home schedule this weekend as it takes on Minot State this Friday at 5:30 p.m., before facing the University of Mary on Saturday at 3:30 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 1,464-957 (.604) in 2,421 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 242-122 (.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 Beavers: Friday's meeting between Minnesota State and Minot State marks their 14th all-time meeting with the Mavericks leading the series 9-4. Earlier this season, Minot State defeated MSU 75-72 in Minot.

Senior Kyreese Willingham notched 26 points and five rebounds, while senior Harrison Braudis tallied 20 points and seven rebounds.

Caleb Van De Griend notched a double-double with 20 points and 15 rebounds, while Jalen Cook posted 19 points.

Head Coach Matt Margenthaler owns a 9-4 record against Minot State, including a 5-0 record at Taylor Center.

Against the Marauders: Saturday's game between Minnesota State and UMary marks their 21st all-time meeting, with MSU leading the series 15-5. Earlier this season, the Mavericks defeated the Marauders 90-49 in Bismarck.

Senior Harrison Braudis tallied 17 points and six rebounds, while senior Justin Eagins notched 15 points and passed out nine rebounds.

Alex Mattes tallied nine points for the Marauders, while Gunner Swanson added eight points.

Concerning the Mavericks: Minnesota State enters the weekend the owner of a 16-10 record, including a 12-6 NSIC record. In its last outing, MSU fell to Minnesota Duluth 75-74 on the road.

As a team, MSU is averaging 78.6 points and 37.3 rebounds per game, while shooting 45.2% from the field and 34.9% from three point range. The Mavericks have passed out 377 assists and forced 302 turnovers.

Senior Kyreese Willingham is leading the team with 18.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, while senior Justin Eagins has notched 14.2 points and 5.1 assists per game. Senior Harrison Braudis is averaging 10.8 points per game, while sophomore Caden Kirkman has tallied 10.4 points and 6.2 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 504-221 (.695). 

Concerning the Beavers: Minot State enters weekend the owner of a 21-6 record, including a 12-6 NSIC record. Last week, the Beavers fell to MSU Moorhead 85-73 at home and to St. Cloud State 91-81 on the road.

As a team, MISU is averaging 81.3 points and 37.4 rebounds per game, while shooting 48.6% from the field and 37.5% from three point range. The Beavers have passed out 387 assists and have forced 287 turnovers.

Caleb Van De Griend is averaging 19.8 points and 13.1 rebounds per game this season, while Jalen Cook has tallied 14.2 points per game. Jaxon Gunville is averaging 11.4 points per game and leads the team in three pointers with 85. Sam West is averaging 10.1 points and 4.6 assists a game also.

Minot State  is coach by Matt Murken, who is in his 13th season with the Beavers and 15th season overall. He owns a 181-176 (.507) record at Minot State and a 227-192 (.542) career record.

Concerning the Marauders: UMary enters weekend the owner of a 5-22 record, including a 3-15 NSIC record. Last week, the Marauders fell to St. Cloud State 84-54 at home and MSU Moorhead 76-58 on the road.

As a team, UMary is averaging 64.7 points and 31.6 rebounds per game, while shooting 39.9% from the field and 31.1% from three point range. The Marauders have passed out 316 assists and have forced 349 turnovers.

Jeremiah Jones leads the Marauders this season with 11.7 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Kevin McGaskey has tallied 10.9 points and 3.0 assists a game, while Ty Rogers has posted 10.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game.

UMary  is coach by Jack Nelson, who is in his fourth season with the Marauders. He owns a 34-75 (.312) career record.