THIS WEEKEND - The Southwest Minnesota State University men's basketball team (7-4, 3-3 NSIC) returns to action following a two-week break with a pair of Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference road games this weekend. SMSU will take on Wayne State College (3-8, 1-5 NSIC) on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016, at Rice Auditorium starting at 5 p.m. On Sunday, Jan. 3, SMSU will face No. 2 ranked Augustana University (9-1, 6-0 NSIC) with tip-off slated for 5 p.m. at the Sioux Falls Arena.   

    BROADCAST INFO - Saturday's game can be heard on 105.1 FM KARL, while Sunday's will be on 103.3 FM and 1400 AM KMHL. Live stats and webcast can be found at SMSUmustangs.com

    GAME DAY STORYLINES -
•SMSU is 3-22 all-time versus Top 25 opponents since Brad Bigler became head coach in 2009-10. SMSU's last win over a Top 25 team came against Winona State on Jan. 17, 2014.
•SMSU scored a season-low 62 points in its 62-60 win over Sioux Falls on Dec. 19.
•SMSU tied a season-low with four 3-pointers in the win over Sioux Falls.
•The 60 points allowed versus USF on Dec. 20, was the second lowest allowed by SMSU this season.
•Redshirt freshman Ryan Bruggeman is averaging 4.5 assists per game--ranking as the highest per game average in a single-season since LaRon Dawn in 2004-05.
•SMSU has allowed 80 or more points in four of its last six games.
•SMSU has trailed at halftime in seven of 11 games this season.
•SMSU has outrebounded its opponents in nine of 11 games this season and were tied in two other games.
•SMSU has shot 51 percent or higher in six of 11 games this season and has shot 50 percent or higher in 12 of 22 halves.
•SMSU head coach Brad Bigler recorded his 100th career victory on Dec. 5 at Upper Iowa. His 101 victories ranks second in program history. Greg Stemen (2001-09) is the all-time leader with 141 victories.
•Junior Mitch Weg ranks first in school history in career field goal pct. (57.9, 263 of 454).
•Sophomore MJ Delmore ranks first in school history in career 3-point field goal pct. (49.6, 62 of 125).

    SMSU IN THE NCAA STATS - SMSU ranks high in several categories in the latest Division II stats (through Dec. 20). SMSU ranks 35th field goal pct. (49.4), 46th in free throw pct. (75.2) and 51st in rebound margin (5.3). Mitch Weg ranks 22nd in offensive rebounds (3.7), while Ryan Bruggeman ranks 74th in total assists (49), 84th in assists per game (4.5) and 92nd in assist/turnover ratio (2.1). A complete listing of the NCAA stats are found on page 14.

    SMSU IN THE NSIC STATS - In the latest conference stats (NSIC games only), SMSU ranks fourth in field goal pct., fourth in rebounding, seventh in scoring and 12th in scoring defense. Carter Kirk is third in field goal pct. and Ryan Bruggeman is fifth in assists per game. A complete listing of the NSIC stats are found on page 14-15.

    SERIES HISTORY - Southwest Minnesota State and Wayne State meet for the 64th time in a series dating back to 1969-70. WSC leads the series 37-26, including holding a 23-6 advantage in games played in Wayne. WSC snapped an eight-game losing streak in the series last Feb. 24, 2015, with an 86-80 win in Wayne. Prior to last season, WSC's last win came on Feb. 4, 2011. SMSU has won 13 of the last 16 meetings since Feb. 16, 2008. SMSU head coach Brad Bigler is 10-3 versus WSC.
    Southwest Minnesota State and Augustana meet for the 28th time in a series dating back to 1972-73. Augustana leads the series 16-11, including a 10-3 advantage in games played in Sioux Falls. Augustana leads 7-5 in NSIC games since the Vikings joined the conference in 2008-09. SMSU head coach Brad Bigler is 4-7 versus Augustana.
    A complete game-by-game of each series can be found on pages 18-19.

    HEAD COACH BRAD BIGLER - Brad Bigler is in his seventh season as head coach at SMSU and has compiled a record of 102-84, including 72-64 in NSIC play. He earned his 100th career victory on Dec. 5 at Upper Iowa. The 100 victories ranks second all-time in team history. The 2012-13 NSIC Coach of the Year, Bigler has led SMSU to four winning seasons, including a pair of 19-win seasons during his six seasons. In 2011-12, SMSU won 19 games, captured the NSIC tournament championship and advanced to the NCAA tournament for the third time in program history. SMSU's 11th head coach, Bigler spent six seasons (2003-09) as an assistant coach at SMSU, including the last three as associate head coach. Bigler, 36, played at SMSU from 1997-2002 and finished his career as one of the winningest players in school history, compiling a record of 83-36 during his four-year playing career. He was a member of SMSU's 2001 NSIC and NCAA region championship team and ended his career appearing in 118 games and currently ranks sixth in school history with 286 assists. Bigler's complete bio is found on page 17.

    ABOUT SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE - Joey Bartlett scored on a lay-up with 3.7 seconds remaining to give SMSU a 62-60 victory over the University of Sioux Falls on Dec. 19. It was the second straight final-second victory for SMSU. On Dec. 12, Ryan Bruggeman scored a lay-up with 4.5 seconds remaining to earn an 86-84 win. Mitch Weg and Carter Kirk each scored 10 points to lead SMSU, while Weg grabbed a game-high nine rebounds. SMSU closed the game shooting 46 percent (24 of 52) from the field, including 4 of 10 from 3-point range. SMSU shot 52 percent in the second half. The Mustangs held a 34-26 rebound advantage, while both teams committed 13 turnovers.    
    For the season, SMSU is averaging 79 ppg, shooting 49 percent from the field, 36 percent from 3-point range, 75 percent from the free throw line and hold a +5.3 rebound margin. SMSU opponents are averaging 78 ppg and shooting 49 percent from the field.

    ABOUT WAYNE STATE - The Wildcats are 3-8 overall, 1-5 NSIC, and have lost four straight NSIC games. WSC suffered a 107-62 road loss to Augustana on Dec. 19. WSC is led by sophomore guard Matt Thomas, who is averaging 15.8 ppg with 34 assists and 15 3-pointers. Sophomore forward Jordan Corneluis averages 8.7 ppg and has 17 3-pointers, while sophomore guard Brian Goodwin has a team-high 19 3-pointers and averages 7.5 ppg.
    WSC is averaging 74 ppg, shooting 46 percent from the field, 35 percent from 3-point range, 64 percent from the free throw line and is a minus-4.4 in rebound margin. WSC opponents are averaging 82 ppg and shooting 50 percent from the field. WSC head coach Brian Dolan is in his third season with a record of 19-49. He was head coach at Upper Iowa for seven seasons prior to taking over at WSC.



    ABOUT AUGUSTANA - The Vikings are 9-1 overall, 6-0 NSIC, and are currently on a nine-game winning streak. Augustana will host Sioux Falls on Jan. 2. Augustana is led by senior forward Daniel Jansen, who is averaging 18.7 ppg and 7.5 rpg. Senior forward Casey Schilling averages 17.8 ppg and 10.1 rpg, while sophomore guard Alex Richter has a team-high 25 3-pointers and averages 14 ppg.
    Augustana is averaging 93 ppg, shooting 50 percent from the field, 44 percent from 3-point range, 74 percent from the free throw line and is a plus-10.5 in rebound margin. Augustana opponents are averaging 68 ppg and shooting 41 percent from the field. Augustana head coach Tom Billeter is in his 13th season with a record of 222-142. He was head coach at North Dakota State for five seasons (1992-1997).

    JOEY BARTLETT NOTES - Has started all 11 games ... averaging 11.5 ppg and 5.0 rpg, ranking second on the team in both categories ... scored a season-high 27 points at Fort Hays State (11/14) ... third on the team with 12 3-pointers ... led the team in scoring last season with 13.8 ppg ... tied for team-lead with 58 3-pointers ...  scored double figures in 19 games ... older brother of teammate Kolin.

    KOLIN BARTLETT NOTES - Has not appeared in any games ... redshirted during the 2014-15 season ... younger brother of teammate Joey.

    RYAN BRUGGEMAN NOTES - Has started all 11 games ... averaging 7.8 ppg ... scored game-winning shot with 4.5 seconds remaining versus Minot State (12/12) ... leads team with 49 assists ... season-high eight assists vs. Minot State (12/12) ... has five or more assists in six games ... scored career-high 22 points on 8 of 12 shooting vs. Northern State (11/19) ... redshirted during the 2014-15 season.

    SHAUN CONDON NOTES - Has played in all 11 games with 10 starts ... averaging 7.2 ppg ... third on the team with 12 3-pointers ... scored season-high 14 points vs. Northern State (11/19) ... played in just three games in 2014-15 due to an injury ... led team in 2013-14 with 39 3-pointers and shot 43.8 percent from 3-point range, ranking eighth best in team history.

    MJ DELMORE NOTES - Has played in all 11 games ... averaging 5.7 ppg ... scored 12 points vs. U-Mary (12/11) and Minot State (12/12) ... ranks first in school history in career 3-point field goal pct. (49.6, 62 of 125) ...  played in 29 games with 17 starts in 2014-15 ... averaged 8.9 ppg ... had 12 double figure scoring games ... led team with 77 assists.

    CARTER KIRK NOTES - Has played in all 11 games ... averaging 9.2 ppg and 3.7 rpg ... scored career-high 19 points on 9 of 10 shooting vs. Minot State (12/12) ... has five or more rebounds in five games ... one of two true freshman to play in 2014-15 ... played in all 29 games with 15 starts ... averaged 8.2 ppg and ranked second on the team with 5.4 rpg.

    MICHAEL LEE NOTES - Has played in all 11 games with 10 starts ... averaging 4.0 ppg and 2.7 rpg ... scored season-high nine points vs. Sioux Falls (12/19) ... only true freshman to play this season.

    JAKE MAIERS NOTES - Has not appeared in any games ... redshirted during the 2014-15 season.

    TURNER MOEN NOTES - Has played in 11 games with one start ... averaging 5.5 ppg and 3.5 rpg ... scored season-high 10 points at Sioux Falls (12/8) ... grabbed six rebounds at MSU Denver (11/27) and at Sioux Falls (12/8) ... one of two true freshman to play in 2014-15 ... played in all 28 games with 18 starts ... averaged 7.5 ppg with 25 3-pointers ... averaged 3.7 rpg.

    DREW OSMUNDSON NOTES - Has played in one game ... played in 18 games with 12 starts in 2014-15 ... missed the last 11 games with a season-ending injury ... finished third on the team with 51 assists ... averaged 5.7 ppg and 2.0 rpg.

    TAYLOR SCHAFER NOTES - Has played in all 11 games with one start ... averaging 8.7 ppg ... leads team with 22 3-pointers ... scored career-high 17 points at Regis (11/28) with five 3-pointers ... redshirted during the 2014-15 season.

    MITCH WEG NOTES - Has started all 11 games ... a career 58 percent field goal shooter, ranking first in team history ... leads team in both scoring (13.6) and rebounding (7.8) ... scored season-high 21 points vs. Northern State (11/9) ... grabbed season-high 13 rebounds at Regis (11/28) ... leads team with three double-doubles ... played in all 29 games with 17 starts in 2014-15 ... averaged 12.1 ppg ... led team with 6.1 rpg ... scored double figures in 19 games ... shot 55.6 percent from the field ... finished ranking fourth in the NSIC in free throw pct. (84.1), seventh in field goal pct. (56.5) and seventh in rebounding (6.2).

    JOSH WEIX NOTES - Has played in all 11 games ... averaging 5.7 ppg and 3.1 rpg ... scored 12 points on 6 of 8 shooting at MSU Denver (11/27) ... season-high six rebounds at Winona State (12/4) ... redshirted during the 2014-15 season.



    MUSTANGS REACH 100 AND THEN SOME - Southwest Minnesota State's 111-105 overtime win over Northern State on Nov. 19 tied for the second most points scored in a game in school history. The last time SMSU scored 111 points came versus Martin Luther College during the 1997-98 season. The school record is 126 versus Northland College during the 1999-2000 season. SMSU is 34-8 all-time when reaching 100 points in a game.

    WEG NAMED NSIC PLAYER OF THE WEEK - SMSU junior forward Mitch Weg was named the NSIC South Division Player of the Week on Nov. 23. Weg is the first SMSU player to earn the conference weekly award since the 2012-13 season. Weg scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in SMSU's 111-105 non-conference win over Northern State. Weg is the first SMSU player to score 20 points and grab 10 rebounds in a single game since Nick Smith (20-10) on Jan. 11, 2013.  

    MUSTANG 20-POINT GAMES -  Southwest Minnesota State has five current players who have scored 20 or more points in a game during their careers, including three times this season. Sophomore Joey Bartlett has reached the 20-point mark nine times, including once this season. Junior Mitch Weg has reached the mark three times, including once this season, while redshirt freshman Ryan Bruggeman has done it once this season. Senior Shaun Condon and sophomore Turner Moen have each reached 20 or more points twice in their career.

    HOME AND AWAY - SMSU is 3-1 at home this season after finishing the 2014-15 home season 6-8. It was the program's first home losing season since 2004-05. SMSU is a combined 84-31 at home since the 2007-08 season. The Mustangs are 4-3 in road/neutral site games this season and are a combined 43-58 in 101 road/neutral site games since 2009-10. The following is a statistical comparison of the Mustang team averages for home and away/neutral games in 2015-16:
    W-L    FG%    3-FG%    FT%    REB    PTS    TO    
Home    3-1    49.6    37.8    81.8    34.8    85.2    11.0    
Away    4-3    49.2    35.1    71.9    34.4    75.6    14.9        

    HOME SWEET HOME - The 2015-16 season is the 20th year that the R/A Facility has been the home arena for SMSU men's basketball. The facility has proven to be a tough place for opponents with SMSU compiling a record of 191-73 (.723) in 264 all-time games with just two losing seasons (2004-05 and 2014-15). SMSU has recorded double figure home victories in eight of the past 10 seasons.

    CONSECUTIVE 3-POINT GAMES - Southwest Minnesota State has connected on at least one 3-point field goal in 503 straight games. The last time SMSU failed to score a 3-pointer was on Dec. 11, 1998, versus MSU Moorhead at the North Dakota State Classic in Fargo, N.D.

    NSIC SOUTH VS. NORTH - SMSU is 1-1 versus teams from the NSIC North Division this season following last weekend's split with U-Mary and Minot State. SMSU is 17-9 versus NSIC North Division teams in regular season play since divisions were introduced during the 2012-13 season. SMSU finished 5-3 versus teams North teams in conference play during the 2014-15 season. During the 2013-14 regular season, SMSU had a 5-3 mark, while in 2012-13, SMSU posted a 6-2 record.
    The NSIC South holds a 128-72 advantage over NSIC North teams in regular season play since divisions were formed in 2012-13. Last season the South finished 35-29 versus the North, while in 2013-14, the South finished 42-22.

    WORKING OVERTIME - SMSU is 43-37 all-time in overtime games, including 1-0 this season, following the win over Northern State on Nov. 19. SMSU has struggled in overtime games in recent seasons, going 4-11 since 2006-07. SMSU's last overtime win prior to this season was Jan. 19, 2013, at MSU Moorhead. SMSU is 6-6 all-time in double overtime games and 0-2 in triple overtime games.

    SMSU SIGNS TWO DURING EARLY PERIOD - Southwest Minnesota State announced on Nov. 12 that high school standouts, guard Nick Dufault from Waseca, Minn., and forward Braedan Hanson from Grand Forks, N.D., signed Letters of Intent during the early signing period.

    2015-16 NSIC PRESEASON POLL - Southwest Minnesota State University was picked to finish eighth overall and fourth in the South Division in the annual 16-team Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll released in October. Augustana was chosen as the overall preseason favorite earning 225 points, including all 15 first-place votes and was also picked to win the South Division. SMSU junior forward Joey Bartlett was named an "NSIC Player to Watch" for the 2015-16 season.

    SMSU ALL-TIME IN THE NSIC - This season marks the 47th year SMSU men's basketball has competed in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. SMSU has an all-time record of 321-365 in 686 conference games, finishing in the top half of the final standings 23 times in 46 seasons. SMSU has finished in the top half of the NSIC standings in 14 of the last 18 seasons since 1997-98.

    MUSTANG HISTORY - Southwest Minnesota State is in its 49th season of men's basketball and has played 1,330 games compiling an all-time record of 594-736. SMSU has won two NSIC regular season championships (2001 & 2009), one NSIC tournament championship (2012), two NCAA region championships (2001 & 2009) and appeared in three NCAA tournaments (2001, 2009, 2012). SMSU has recorded 21 winning seasons in program history with 14 coming in the last 17 years (including this season).