Mavs basketball ready for tough NSIC competition
The team looks to add two more conference victories to their resume with the Dragons and Wolves in town
Aaron Young
Staff Writer
This weekend, the Minnesota State Mavericks men’s basketball team looks to continue their two-game winning streak at home against both MSU-Moorhead and Northern State. Coming into these contests, the Mavericks are 14-6 overall, and 10-4 in the NSIC.
In their first matchup Friday against the Dragons, the Mavericks look to handle the Dragons once again after defeating them in their last four meetings, dating back to 2016.
MSU-Moorhead comes into the contest at 15-7 on the year, and 9-5 in the NSIC.
For the Dragons, Addison Park leads the team with 15.5 PPG, followed by Travaun Coad, who has 14.6 PPG.
Coming off a loss against St. Cloud State, the Dragons will be aggressive and ready to face the Mavericks.
For the Mavericks, they will rely on their leading scorer, junior forward Cameron Kirksey who is averaging 16.9 PPG and leads the team in blocks with 22.
Alongside Kirksey, senior guard Carlos Anderson is averaging 14.6 PPG, with 14 steals and 34 assists. These two will have to step up to defeat the Dragons and continue their winning streak.
On Saturday, the Mavs face their toughest challenge yet in the Northern State Wolves.
The Wolves are at the top of the food chain in the NSIC, with a record of 15-5, and 11-3 in the conference.
Last season, it was all Wolves as the Mavs got swept in their three matchups. All-time, the Mavericks have the upper hand, leading the series 16-11. However, as mentioned, the tides have turned.
Northern State is led by Ian Smith, who is averaging 13.9 PPG, 5 APG, and a team-high 15 steals. This team is a force to be reckoned with and will take the Mavericks to their limits. On Saturday, it’ll be for bragging rights.
The Wolves are coming off a loss against University of Minnesota-Duluth and look to bounce back against the Mavericks. Both teams will be fighting for the top spot in what will sure be a thriller.
Tune in this weekend to see the Mavericks take on MSU-Morehead and Northern State in back-to-back home affairs.
Feature photo by Mansoor Ahmad | MSU Reporter.