Mavericks Open 2024-25 schedule with exhibition at Kentucky – Minnesota State University

MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota State opens its 2024-25 season with an exhibition contest on Tuesday, taking on the Kentucky Wildcats. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. (CT) at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

History of the State of Minnesota: The 2024–25 season marks the 103rd season as a varsity sport for Minnesota State men's basketball. The Mavericks have posted a record of 1,448-947 (.604) in 2,395 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 compiled a conference record of 230–116 (.664), resulting in five regular season championships and three tournament championships.

The Mavericks won the 2023-24 NSIC regular season championship with an 82-62 victory over Minnesota Crookston on February 23. It was their first NSIC championship since the 2013–14 season. MSU then won the NSIC Tournament Championship with a 97-77 win over Minnesota Duluth in the conference tournament final.

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. With wins over Ferris State (98-70) and West Texas A&M (79-72), the Mavericks reached the NCAA championship game for the first time in team history. MSU defeated Nova Southeastern 88-85, including the senior's game-winning three-pointer Kyreese Willingham with 0.8 remaining to win its first NCAA DII Championship in team history.

Against the Wildcats: Tuesday's meeting between Minnesota State and Kentucky will be their first meeting between them.

Regarding the Mavericks: Minnesota State finished its 2023-24 season with a 35-2 record and won its first NCAA DII Championship in team history. The Mavericks also captured their fifth Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference regular season championship with a league record of 20-2. MSU also won its third NSIC tournament championship.

As a team, MSU averaged 84.9 points and 38.7 rebounds per game while shooting 49.1% from the field and 38.2% from three-point range. The Mavericks also provided 561 assists and forced 433 turnovers.

senior Kyreese Willingham As a senior last season, he averaged 14.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per game Justin Eagins posted 12.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game while making 86 three-pointers.

The Mavericks are led by Matt Margenthalerwho is in his 24th season at Minnesota State. He owns a career record of 488-211 (.699).

Regarding the wildcats: Kentucky finished its 2023-24 season with a 23-10 record, including a 13-5 SEC record. The Wildcats reached the first round of the NCAA Tournament last season, where they lost to Oakland 80-76.

Ansley Almonor averaged 16.4 points and 5.1 rebounds per game while hitting 93 three-pointers last season at Fairleigh Dickinson. Andrew Carr posted 13.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game at Wake Forest last season.

Kentucky is coached by Mark Pope, who is in his first season as the Wildcats' head coach. He has a career record of 187-108 (.634), including a 110-52 (.679) record as head coach at BYU before moving to Kentucky.

Rewriting the record book: Minnesota State posted season highs in several team categories last season.

Rating – 3,141 points

Made field goals – 1,159

Field goals attempted – 2,362

3pt field goals – 342

3 point field goals attempted – 895

Most games played – 37

Wins in a season – 35