GAMETIME: In a bunched up North Central Conference, games played this weekend will determine who stays at home and who goes on the road when the Wells Fargo Tournament (NCC Tourney) begins next Tuesday, Feb. 26. This weekend, South Dakota (18-6, 10-6 in the NCC) will host Minnesota State-Mankato (9-15, 5-11 in the NCC) on Parent's Night on Friday, Feb. 22 and St. Cloud State (18-6, 10-6 in the NCC) on Senior Night on Saturday at the DakotaDome.

AT STAKE: Minnesota State-Mankato still has a chance to advance to the tourney but they must win both games and have Augustana lose twice on the road this weekend at North Dakota State and North Dakota. Meanwhile, the Coyotes, North Dakota (15-9, 10-6 in the NCC) and St. Cloud State are all tied for third place in the NCC. With two wins, the Coyotes will host a first round game. However, anything less than that could push the Coyotes into a road game. South Dakota can finish no worse than fifth in the NCC. The Coyotes will host St. Cloud State on Saturday night in a game that may determine who stays at home and who goes on the road and who finishes in one of the top four spots in the NCC race. SDSU has won the NCC title and have earned a first round bye in the tournament. The second through seventh seeds will be determined this weekend. If the Coyotes win Friday, then Saturday's game also carries regional playoff implications, as the Huskies are No. 5 and the Coyotes No. 7 in the North Central Region Rankings. ON THE RECORD:uth Dakota is 18-6 including a 12-1 record at home, 4-5 away, 2-0 on a neutral floor. The Coyotes are 10-6 in the NCC, 6 -1 at home, 4-5 on the road; and 8-0 in nonconference games. SOUTH DAKOTA PROBABLE STARTERS: G - 03 -- Paul Marshall, 6'1, Sr., Winnebago, Ill. (17.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg) G - 05 - Josh Mueller, 5'11, Fr., Hartford, S.D. (17.5 ppg, 6.7 apg, 3.4 rpg, 2.16 spg) F - 22 -- Jimmie Foster, 6'4, Sr., Milwaukee, Wis. (13.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg) F - 52 - Steve Anderson, 6'7, So., Rapid City, S.D. (10.0 ppg, 8.2 rpg) C - 51 - J.D. Roberts, 6'6, Fr., Ponca, Neb. (5.4 ppg, 4.8 rpg)

SOUTH DAKOTA TOP RESERVES G - 42 - Eric Hickenbottom, 6'6, Sr., Agency, Iowa (8.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg) G - 10 - Luke Tibbetts, 6'3, Fr., Sioux Falls, S.D. (3.9 ppg, 1.4 rpg) F - 32 - Scott Hansen, 6'7, Sr., Coleridge, Neb. (5.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg) F - 53 - Eric Holmstadt, 6'9, So., Monticello, Minn. (3.2 ppg, 2.4 rpg)

MINNESOTA STATE-MANKATO PROBABLE STARTERS G - 5 - Drew Carlson, 6'2, So., Belle Plaine, Minn. (16.0 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.95 apg) G - 13 - Jay Larson, 6'0, Sr., Minnesota Lake, Minn. (6.5 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 3.9 apg) F - 25 - Jermaine Brown, 6'5, Jr., Bellwood, Ill. (19.2 ppg, 6.6 rpg) F - 51 - Jon Hickman, 6'8, Sr., Northwood, Iowa (7.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg) F - 53 - Shawn Beaudette, 6'6, Sr., Mankato, Minn. (4.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg)

KEY RESERVES G - 11 - Matt Jones, 6'3, So., Milwaukee, Wisc. (9.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg) G - 21 - Jevin Budde, 5'11, So., Bettendorf, Iowa (2.4 ppg, 2 .0rpg) F - 33 - Tim Brown, 6'5, So., Bloomington, Minn. (7.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg) F/C - 45 - Luke Johnson, 6'7, Sr., Montivideo, Minn. (1.2 ppg, 2.0 rpg) C - 55 - Scott von Lehe, 6'10, Jr., LeSueur, Minn. (3.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg)

ST. CLOUD STATE PROBABLE STARTERS G - 20 - Forrest Witt, 6'1, Jr., Morris, Minn. (15.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg) G - 04 - Alex Carlson, 6'2, So., Litchfield, Minn. (10.9 ppg, 3. 2 rpg, 4.57 apg) F - 40 - Jason Kron, 6'6, Jr., Cold Spring, Minn. (10.6 ppg, 6.2 rpg) F - 30 - Rado Rancik, 6'9, Bratislava, Slovakia, (11.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg) C - 54 - B.J. Brant, 6'7, Sr., Portage, Wisc. (10.6 ppg, 5.6 rpg)

KEY RESERVES G - 20 - Jonny Reese, 6'2, Sr., St. Louis Park, Minn. (11.4 ppg, 1.6 rpg) C - 22 -- Cullen Powers, 6'8, Jr., Bondurant, Iowa (3.0 ppg, 2.7 rpg) G -12 -- Nate Miller , 5'9, Fr., Little Falls, Minn. (6.2 ppg, 2.0 rpg) C - 50 -- Andy Johnson, 6'8, Sr., Bondurant, Iowa (2.5 ppg, 1.1 rpg) F - 32 -- Keith Salscheider, 6'5, Jr., Bemidji, Minn. (1.8 ppg, 0.8 rpg) G - 52 -- Chad Virgin, 6'2, So., Eagan, Minn. (0.6 ppg, 0.6 rpg) F - 44 - Alan Persinger, 6'7, Jr., Kenosha, Wisc. (4.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg)

SERIES - South Dakota/Minnesota State-Mankato: When the two teams meet at the DakotaDome on Friday night, it will be the 65th meeting between the schools with the Coyotes owning a 33-31 overall series lead. The Coyotes defeated Minnesota State-Mankato, 80-72, at the Bresnan Arena on Dec. 8. South Dakota has won four of the last five games between the schools, and four of the last five at the DakotaDome. South Dakota has won seven of the last 10 meetings between the schools. USD won two of three a year ago, including a 71-45 win in the semifinals of the Wells Fargo Finals held at the DakotaDome.

LAST TIME - South Dakota 80 Minn. St. Mankato 72: Senior shooting guard Paul Marshall scored 24 points and hit three free throws in the final minute to lead the South Dakota men's basketball team (then ranked #24 in the country) to an 80-72 North Central Conference win over Minnesota State-Mankato before 2,495 in attendance at the Bresnan Arena in the Taylor Center at Mankato, Minn. Marshall, who scored 16 first half points, made nine of 14 field goals, including three of eight three-point baskets and four of six free throws. While Marshall hit some critical baskets, sophomore forward Steve Anderson also played a key role in the victory. After being held scoreless in the first half, Anderson responded with 18 second-half points, including six of six from the free throw line. He also contributed four rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal. Senior forward Eric Hickenbottom also reached double figures, scoring a season high of 15 points as he made six of seven field goals, including a pair of three-point baskets. He also had seven rebounds. Senior forward Jimmie Foster added eight points and seven rebounds. The Coyotes committed just six turnovers and held a 15-7 advantage in points off turnovers.

SERIES - South Dakota/St. Cloud State: This will be the 44th meeting between South Dakota and St. Cloud State with the Huskies holding a 23-21 advantage. Head Coach Kevin Schlagel is 6-4 vs. South Dakota. South Dakota has won six of the last 10 meetings, but has lost three in a row, including a 97-81 decision on Dec. 7, 2001 at Halenbeck Hall in St. Cloud. The Huskies also defeated USD, 89-76, in the Wells Fargo Finals in March, 2001 at the DakotaDome. That win sent St. Cloud State to the North Central Regional as the NCC tournament champion and its automatic qualifier for the playoffs.

LAST TIME - St. Cloud State 97 South Dakota 81: St. Cloud (ranked #5 in NCAA Division II at the time) jumped to a large first half lead and fought off several rallies by South Dakota (then ranked #24 in NCAA Division II) to take a 97-81 win in the North Central Conference men's basketball season opener for both teams at Halenbeck Hall in St. Cloud on Friday night. South Dakota, which trailed 50-34 at the halftime break, cut a 21-point second-half deficit to eight points with five minutes to play but could not draw any closer against the NCC's preseason men's basketball favorite. Freshman point guard Josh Mueller had 25 points to lead the Coyotes. Mueller made 11 of 11 free throws and had seven assists. Steve Anderson added 11 points and seven rebounds while senior forward Eric Hickenbottom had 10 points. South Dakota made 28 of 55 field goals for 50.9 percent and 11 of 20 three-point field goals for 55 percent. They were 14 of 19 from the free throw line for 73.7 percent. Turnovers hurt the Coyotes, who committed a season high 22 miscues against St. Cloud, who had just 11 ball handling miscues. The Huskies, who shot 53 percent from the field for the game, utilized their inside game, outscoring the Coyotes 38-22 in the paint. St. Cloud converted 33 of 62 field goals while hitting 10 of 18 three-point baskets. They also shot well from the free throw line, knocking down 21 of 27 free throws for 77.8 percent. Forrest Witt led St. Cloud with 28 points and Rado Rancik had 24 points while Alex Carlson added 16 points, including four of six from the three-point arc. Jason Kron had nine rebounds to lead the Huskies.

NORTH CENTRAL REGION RANKINGS (As of Feb. 20, 2002) 1. South Dakota State (21-3) 2. Nebraska-Kearney (20-4) 3. Metro State (20-5) 4. Nebraska-Omaha (21-7) 5. St. Cloud State (18-6) 6. Fort Hays State (18-6) 7. South Dakota (18-6) 8. Southwest State (17-6) 9. Fort Lewis (16-8) 10. Northern State (18-7) POLLS: Kentucky Wesleyan is the new No. 1 team in NCAA Division II, according to rankings released Feb, 18, 2002 by the NABC/Division II Bulletin. The rankings are as follows: 1 Kentucky Wesleyan (24-1). 2. Northeastern State (23-1) 3. Cal State-San Bernardino (22-1) 4. Adelphi (24-1) 5. Humboldt State (22-1) 6. Northwest Missouri State (22-2) 7. Tampa (21-2) 8. Michigan Tech (22-2) 9. South Dakota State (21-3) 10. Assumption (20-3) 11. Gannon (21-3) 12. Seattle Pacific (20-3) 13. Cal State-Bakersfield (20-3) 14. Salem International (21-3) 15. Henderson State (20-4) 16. Missouri Western (19-5) 17. Nebraska-Kearney (20-4) 18. Shaw (20-4) 19. California, Pa. (20-4) 20. Wingate (22-4) 21. Indiana, Pa. (20-4) 22. Belmont Abbey (20-4) 23. Carson-Newman (20-4) 24. Delta State (19-5) 25: Metro State (20-5)

COYOTES ON THE RADIO: The University of South Dakota men's basketball games home and away can be heard on KVHT- FM 106.3, Vermillion/Yankton, S.D. Kevin Culhane begins his fifth year as voice of the Coyotes. Veteran broadcaster Joe Van Goor will provide color. The game is also available on the Internet at www.usdcoyotes.com and on Teamline at 1-800-846-4700 (team code - 6056). Since 1990, Teamline has provided live coverage of over 40,000 events annually for over 500 college and pro sports teams, directly to consumers over any telephone in the world.

NCC STANDINGS South Dakota State 15-1 21-3 Nebraska-Omaha 12-5 21-7 North Dakota 10-6 15-9 South Dakota 10-6 18-6 St. Cloud State 10-6 18-6 Northern Colorado 9-8 14-11 Augustana 6-10 12-12 Minnesota State 5-11 9-15 North Dakota State 4-12 10-14 Morningside 0-17 3-22

SCHEDULE/RESULTS February 22 Augustana at North Dakota, 8 p.m. South Dakota State at North Dakota State, 8 p.m. Minn. St. Mankato at South Dakota, 8 p.m. St. Cloud State at Morningside, 8 p.m. February 23 Northern Colorado at Nebraska-Omaha, 4 p.m. Augustana at North Dakota State, 8 p.m. South Dakota State at North Dakota, 8 p.m. Minn. St. Mankato at Morningside, 8 p.m. St. Cloud State at South Dakota, 8 p.m. February 16 Augustana 96 Northern Colorado 88 Minnesota St. Mankato 89 North Dakota State 79 South Dakota State 87 Nebraska-Omaha 76 South Dakota 106 Morningside 39 St. Cloud State 87 North Dakota 73 February 15 Nebraska-Omaha 87 Augustana 77 St. Cloud State 82 North Dakota State 68 North Dakota 87 Minn. St. Mankato 78 South Dakota State 83 Northern Colorado 71 February 9 South Dakota State 94 Augustana 76 North Dakota State 103 Morningside 62 Northern Colorado 86 St. Cloud State 85 North Dakota 87 South Dakota 75 Nebraska-Omaha 73 Minn. State-Mankato 61 February 8 South Dakota 86 North Dakota State 73 Northern Colorado 101 Minnesota- St. Mankato 88 Nebraska-Omaha 81 St. Cloud St. 72 North Dakota 91 Morningside 63 UPDATING ALL-TIME RECORDS, BOOTS' COACHING MARKS: In its 92nd year of basketball, South Dakota men's basketball reached a significant milestone with its 1,000th victory vs. North Dakota State on Jan. 12, 2002 at the DakotaDome. South Dakota is now 1,005-889 (.530) all-time. Earlier this season, the Coyotes reached the 500-win plateau in NCC play. Currently, the Coyotes are 507-500 (.503) in NCC games, including a 167- 83 (.668) mark while head coach Dave Boots as been head basketball coach (since 1988). Boots, who has a 289-112 (.721) mark at South Dakota, recorded his 400th career win (404-175, .698) with the win over Morningside on Jan. 19, 2002 at Allee Gym in Sioux City, Iowa. He has the 18th best winning percentage among active coaches in NCAA Division II. His 389-166 mark in Division II games ranks him 21st among active coaches.

BOOTS VS. MINNESOTA STATE-MANKATO - 17-13 BOOTS VS. ST. CLOUD STATE - 17-11

ANDERSON, MARSHALL TIE RECORDS: ~ Steve Anderson of Rapid City, S.D., tied a DakotaDome record by grabbing 22 rebounds vs. Missouri Western on Nov. 20, He tied the record held by two others (Doug "Joe" Moeller, vs. Northern Colorado, 2-23-91; Bruce Bykowski, vs. Northern Colorado, 1-24-82). ~ Paul Marshall hit eight of 10 three-point field goals for 26 points in the 104-78 win over Western State on Saturday at the Sioux Valley/Wells Fargo Basketball Classic at the Elmen Center. With the eight three-point field goals, Marshall tied the school record for made three-point field goals in a game. Marshall hit seven three-point shots in the first half, including six in the first seven minutes.

MUELLER IS SIXTH IN NATION IN ASSISTS; MARSHALL IS SEVENTH IN 3-POINT FG PERCENTAGE: Josh Mueller is averaging 6.75 assists per game which places him sixth in NCAA Division II. Mueller, who has four double-digit assist games this season, has the single best assist game total of the season in NCAA Division II with 16 vs. Northern Colorado on Feb. 2. Senior guard Paul Marshall has the best single game best for three-point shooting percentage in Division II. He hit eight of 10 vs. Western State on Dec. 1. Steve Anderson has the fourth best rebound performance in Division II this season with 22 boards vs. Missouri Western State on Nov. 20, 2001. Marshall ranks seventh in the nation in three-point field goal percentage at 46.7 (64-137). South Dakota ranks in the top 30-in six-team categories. USD is 25th in field goal percentage defense, holding opponents to 40.7 percent from the field per game; 27th in field goal percentage at 48.2 percent; 14th in free throw percentage (75 percent); 13th in scoring margin at 13.8 per game; 19th in scoring offense, 84.3 points per game; and 18th in three-point field goal percentage at 39.7 percent.

2001-02 NUMBERS

POINTS - South Dakota is averaging 84.3 points and allowing 70.6 points per game. South Dakota is outscoring opponents 949 to 816 in the first half and 1,075 to 878 in the second half for a total advantage of 2,024 to 1,694 for a margin of +13.8 per game. SHOOTING - The Coyotes have made 694 of 1,440 field goals for 48.2 percent while converting 198 of 499 three-point field goals for 39.7 percent, or 8.2 per game. South Dakota has made 438 of 584 free throws for 75 percent. REBOUNDING - The Coyotes own a 38.2 to 35.4 rebound advantage over opponents. MISCELLANEOUS STATS - South Dakota has committed 309 turnovers, or 12.9 per game. The Coyotes are averaging 8.3 steals (200), 3.7 blocked shots (88) and 15.8 assists (380) per game.

NCC PLAY POINTS - South Dakota is outscoring opponents, 81.4 to 74.5 (1,302-1,192). SHOOTING - South Dakota has hit 447 of 920 for 48.6 percent; 135 of 334 for 40.4 percent from the three-point line; and 273 of 354 for 77.1 percent from the free throw line. NCC opponents have made 415 of 975 field goals for 42.6 percent; 136 of 379 for 35.9 percent from the three-point line and 226 of 322 for 70.2 percent from the free throw line. REBOUNDING - Opponents are outrebounding South Dakota, 36.1 to 34.7.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

SD STATS IN HOME NCC GAMES: In home NCC games this season, South Dakota has a 6-1 record. The Coyotes are outscoring opponents, 85.4 to 69.9 at home. South Dakota has hit 201 of 422 field goals for 47.6 percent, including 66 of 158 three-point field goals for 41.8 percent as well as 130 of 174 free throws for 74.7 percent. They averaged 36.9 rebounds, 17.0 assists, 9.0 steals, and 3.7 blocks. NCC foes have made 164 of 415 field goals for 39.5 percent at the Dome. Opponents have made 57 of 170 three-point field goals for 33.5 percent and 104 of 150 free throws for 69.3 percent. NCC foes average 37.1 rebounds. South Dakota has 37 more field goals (201 to 164), nine more three-point field goals (66 to 57) and 26 more free throws (130 to 104) in home NCC games.

AT THE HALF: South Dakota is 15-1 this season when leading at halftime. When trailing at half, the Coyotes are 2-4. In tied games, the Coyotes are 1-1. South Dakota has won 27 of their last 29 games when leading at half time. The Coyotes have won 24 of its last 27 games when scoring over 80 points.

MARSHALL SEVENTH IN ALL-TIME MADE THREE-POINT FIELD GOALS: With six three-point field goals against Morningside on Feb. 16, Paul Marshall moved into 7th place on the all-time South Dakota three-point field goals list with 126 three-point field goals. He passed Ryun Williams, who had 122 from 1990-92. Top 10 Three-Point Artists - Alltime 1. Ben Ries (1996-00) - 290 2. Mike Graves (1986-90) - 274 3. Jeremy Kudera (1997-2001) - 225 4. Randy Rosenquist (1990-94) - 209 5. Troy Terronez (1990-94) - 152 6. Bob Overland (1994-96) - 128 7. Paul Marshall (2000 -- ) - 126 8. Ryun Williams (1990-92) - 122 9. Loren DeKruyf (1991-95) - 119 10. John Brenegan (1989-93) - 104 John Hemenway (1992-96) -

BREAKING 80-POINT BARRIER: In 17 of 24 games this season, South Dakota has scored at least 78 points. The Coyotes have broken the 90-point barrier seven times this season, including four wins in which they had over 100 points (100-36, Mount Senario, Nov. 26; 104-78, Western State, Dec. 1; Morningside, Jan. 19, 103-75; and Morningside, Feb. 16, 106-39).

ON COACH BOOTS: Dave Boots has recorded the most wins in the history of Coyote basketball as he has a 289-112 (.721) mark at South Dakota. Boots, who begins his 14th season at the Coyote helm, is one of the most respected coaches in the North Central Conference and NCAA Division II. Overall, he has been a collegiate head coach for 20 years, recording a 404-175 (.698) record. He is 167-83 (.668) percent in NCC games. He has the 18th best winning percentage among active coaches in Division II. His 389-168 mark in Division II ranks him 21st among active coaches. Against North Dakota State on Jan. 12, 2002, Coach Boots guided South Dakota to its 1,000 all-time win in men's basketball since the program began 92 years ago.

On Jan. 19, 2002, Coach Boots recorded his 400th career win in a 103-75 win against Morningside College at Allee Gym in Sioux City, Iowa. Boots, an assistant athletic director at USD, has led the Coyotes to five NCC titles, two North Central Region crowns and back-to-back trips to the NCAA Division II Elite 8 National Tournament (1992-94). The Coyotes who are consistently ranked in the NCAA Division II Top-20 poll have never had a losing season under Boots. Five times, including the 2001-02 season, he has been NCC Coach of the Year and three times, he was Kodak District Coach of the Year.

South Dakota has averaged 21 wins over the past 13 seasons, which is remarkable in that South Dakota had not experienced a winning season since 1978-79 prior to his arrival at South Dakota in 1989. The 13 consecutive winning seasons is the longest streak of success in the proud history of South Dakota basketball.

Before coming to South Dakota, Boots guided Augsburg (Minn.) College to a pair of Minnesota Intercollegiate Conference titles. A native of North Branch, Minn., he constructed a 100-56 record at Augsburg, winning conference titles in 1983-84 (19-7, 17-3) and 1984-85 (21-7, 18-2). A 1979 graduate of Augsburg, he earned a master's degree from the University of Minnesota in 1982. As a senior at Augsburg during the 1978-79 season, Boots was named team captain, MVP, MIAC all-conference and all-District 13. He still holds the MIAC single-season free throw percentage record (.971) and Augsburg's career free throw percentage (.881). His 1984-85 Augsburg team advanced to the NCAA Division III south regional. He and his wife Peggy has two sons Nathan, 16, and Jordan, 12.

OPPONENT INFORMATION

ABOUT ST. CLOUD: The Huskies, the preseason media's pick to win the NCC, has a 18-6 record, including a 10-6 mark in the NCC. The Huskies are 7-2 at home in the NCC and 12-2 overall at home. They have a 3-4 record in the NCC on the road and 6-4 overall away from Halenbeck Hall. The Huskies have outscored opponents, 1,984 to 1,724, including a 897 to 735 first half scoring advantage and a 1,054 to 948 second half scoring lead. Opponents own a 41-33 overtime lead in points scored. St. Cloud has hit 703 of 1,507 field goals for 46.6 percent including 187 of 483 three-point field goals for 38.7. Opponents have made 641 of 1,465 field goals for 43.8 percent; 154 of 410 three-point field goals for 37.6 percent; and 288 of 403 free throws for 71.5 percent. In 16 NCC games, St. Cloud has hit 461 of 1,026 field goals for 44.9 percent. They are 116 of 332 for 34.9 percent from three-point range and 272 of 347 for 78.4 percent from the free throw line in NCC games. NCC opponents have made 447 of 994 field goals for 45 percent; 100 of 261 three-point field goals for 38.3 percent and 226 of 302 free throws for 74.8 percent. A year ago, St. Cloud had a 25-6 record, their third best record in school history. They finished tied for second in the NCC with a 13-5 record, advancing to the finals of the North Central Region Tournament where they fell in the finale to Southwest State, 67-65.

ON HEAD COACH KEVIN SCHLAGEL: Schlagel, a 1976 graduate of St. Cloud State, is in his fifth season at St. Cloud State. He has compiled a 96-45 overall record and a 53-35 mark in the NCC during his tenure with the Huskies. He led the Huskies to the 2001 NCC Wells Fargo Finals Championship, which is the first championship for the Huskies since the 1987-88 season. This year is Schlagel's 22nd with the Huskies, including 17 years as an assistant coach. A native of Rush City, Minn., he played basketball and baseball at Rush City High. He is assisted by Matt Reimer (fifth year). Schlagel's record at SCSU: 25-6, 13-5 in the NCC, 2000-01; 18-10, 10-8 in the NCC, 1999-00; 14-13, 8-10 in the NCC, 1998-99; 17-10, 12-6 in the NCC, 1997-98.

ABOUT MINNESOTA STATE-MANKATO: Minnesota State-Mankato has a 9-15 overall record, including a 7-7 home record and a 2-8 mark on the road. The Mavericks are 5-11 in the conference, including 4-5 at home and 1-6 on the road. They had a 4-4 nonconference record. Opponents have outscored Minnesota State, 1,871 to 1,828 points, or 78.0 to 76.2 per game. The Mavericks have been outscored 852 to 825 in the first half and 1,005 to 992 in the second half and 14-11 in overtime. MSU has hit 670 of 1,503 field goals for 44.6 percent; 172 of 452 three-point field goals for 38.1 percent and 316 of 407 free throws for 77.6 percent. Opponents have hit 642 of 1,474 field goals for 43.6 percent, including 199 of 580 three-point field goals for 34.3 percent; and 388 of 539 free throws for 72 percent. The Mavericks own a 38.7 to 36.2 rebound advantage. In NCC play, the Mavericks have made 431 of 1,018 field goals for 42.3 percent, including 110 of 304 three-point field goals for 36.2 percent. They are 203 of 264 from the foul line for 76.9 percent. NCC opponents have hit 424 of 959 field goals for 44.2 percent; 134 of 387 three-point field goals for 34.6 percent and 275 of 371 free throws for 74.1 percent. The Mavericks own a 38.5 to 37.1 rebound advantage in NCC games.

ABOUT HEAD COACH MATT MARGENTHALER: Margenthaler, who was an assistant at South Dakota State for six years, took over as head coach earlier this year at Minnesota State-Mankato. He replaced longtime coach Dan McCarrell. He owns a 9-15 career record. An assistant coach at SDSU for six seasons, Margenthaler helped the Jackrabbits to a 135-39 (.775) record, three NCC titles and four NCAA Division II postseason tournament appearances. Margenthaler is a 1991 graduate of Western Illinois where he was an academic all-conference selection and a starter in his senior season.

MORE ON SOUTH DAKOTA SOUTH DAKOTA IN NCC STATS - South Dakota leads NCC schools in three individual and one team categories, according to the most recent NCC statistics released this week by the conference office. In single game performances this season, Paul Marshall has the most made three-point field goals (eight vs. Western State, Dec. 1) and Josh Mueller has the top free throw percentage (11-11 vs. St. Cloud State on Dec. 7) and has recorded an NCC-season high of 16 assists on Feb. 2 vs. Northern Colorado. Steve Anderson has the best rebounding performance with 22 in a win over Missouri Western on Nov. 21. Mueller's seven steals vs. North Dakota on Jan. 11 is the second best this season. In the team category, South Dakota has the best free throw shooting performance, making 13 of 13 vs. Northern Colorado on Jan. 4. The Coyotes have the most rebounds in a game (66) and steals (18) vs. Mount Senario on Nov. 26. INDIVIDUAL STATS: Scoring Individual G FG 3FG FT Pts Avg/G 4. Josh Mueller 24 133 51 104 421 17.5 5.Paul Marshall 24 145 64 54 408 17.0 16. Jimmie Foster 24 122 13 75 332 13.8 Rebounding Individual G OFF DEF TOT Avg/G 4. Steve Anderson 24 78 119 197 8.2 15. Jimmie Foster 24 33 101 134 5.6 22. J.D. Roberts 24 22 93 115 4.8 Field Goal Percentage G FG FGA Pct 5. Steve Anderson 24 77 138 .558 9. Paul Marshall 24 145 281 .516 Assists G Assist Avg/G 1. Josh Mueller 24 160 6.7 Free Throw % G FTM FTA Pct. 5. Josh Mueller 24 104 125 .832 8. Paul Marshall 24 54 66 .818 3 Pt. FG Pct G 3FGA FGA Pct 1. Scott Hansen 22 35 66 .530 5. Paul Marshall 24 64 137 .467 Blocked Shots G BLK Avg/G 3. Steve Anderson 24 26 1.08 6. Scott Hansen 22 21 0.95 Offensive Rebounds G No. Avg/G 2. Steve Anderson 24 78 3.25 Steals G BLK Avg/G 1. Josh Mueller 24 52 2.17 10. Jimmie Foster 24 32 1.33 3 Pt. FG Made G 3FG Avg/G 4. Paul Marshall 24 64 2.67 9. Josh Mueller 24 51 2.12 Assist/Turnover Ratio G Asst Avg Turn Avg Ratio 4. Josh Mueller 24 160 6.7 82 3.4 1.95 Defensive Rebounds G No. Avg/G 6. Steve Anderson 24 119 4.96 TEAM STATS: Scoring Offense G OFF DEF Avg/G 3. South Dakota 24 18-6 2024 84.3 Scoring Margin G OFF DEF Margin 2. South Dakota 24 84.3 70.6 +13.8 Field Goal Percentages G FG FGA Pct 2. South Dakota 24 694 1440 .482 3-Pt. FG Percentages G 3FGA FGA Pct 2. South Dakota 24 198 499 .397 Rebounding Offense G Reb Avg/G 4. South Dakota 24 918 38.2 Scoring Defense G Pts Avg/G 1. South Dakota 24 1694 70.6 Free Throw Percentages G FTM FTA Pct 4. South Dakota 24 438 584 .750 Field Goal Pct Defense G FG FGA Pct 2. South Dakota 24 596 1466 .407 3-Pt. FG Pct Defense G FG FGA Pct 5. South Dakota 24 186 530 .351 Rebounding Defense G Reb Avg/G 4. South Dakota 24 850 35.4 Rebounding Margin G Team Avg Opp Avg Margin 4. South Dakota 24 918 38.2 850 35.4 +2.8 Assists G Asst Avg/G 6. South Dakota 24 380 15.83 Turnover Margin G Team Avg Opp Avg Margin 3. South Dakota 24 309 12.9 379 15.8 +2.92 Offensive Rebounds G No. Avg/G 10. South Dakota 24 232 9.67 3-Point Field Goals Made G 3FG Avg/G 3. South Dakota 24 198 8.25 Blocked Shots G Blks Avg/G 3. South Dakota 24 88 3.67 Steals G Stls Avg/G 3. South Dakota 24 200 8.33 Assist/Turnover Ratio G Asst Avg Turn Avg Ratio 2. South Dakota 24 380 15.8 390 12.9 1.23 Defensive Rebounds G No. Avg/G 2. South Dakota 24 686 28.58

IN NCC PLAY: Josh Mueller is fourth in scoring at 18.5 per game with Paul Marshall seventh at 16.6 ppg. Mueller leads the NCC in assists at 6.75 per game and is second in steals at 2.00 per game. He is seventh in made three-pointers with 35 or 2.19 per game, sixth in free throw percentage at 84.4 percent (81-96) and seventh in assist/turnover ratio at 1.66 per game (108 assists to 65 turnovers). Steve Anderson is seventh in rebounding at 7.2 per game, fourth in field goal percentage at 58.6 (51-87), third in offensive rebounds at 2.75 per game, second in blocked shots at 1.25 per game. Scott Hansen, who is sixth in blocked shots at .94 per game, leads the NCC in three-point field goal percentage at 58 percent (29-50). Eric Hickenbottom is fourth in three-point field goal percentage at 48.6 percent (17-35). Paul Marshall is ninth at 42.5 percent (37-87). Jimmie Foster is 10th in steals at 1.31 per game. In team categories, South Dakota is first in three-point field goal percentage at 40.4 percent (135-334); second in field goal percentage, 48.6 percent; second in free throw percentage, 77.1 percent; and second in defensive rebounds, 27.06 per game.

SOUTH DAKOTA PLAYER PROFILES: PAUL MARSHALL: Marshall, a 6'1 shooting guard, scored a season high of 32 points vs. Northern Colorado on Feb. 2, 2002. He has a career high of 33 points against Northern Colorado on Jan. 6, 2001. This season, he has twice scored 27 points, including wins over Missouri Western (98-85) and Dakota Wesleyan (76-57). Marshall (Winnebago, Ill.), who is averaging 17.0 points per game, has hit 145 of 281 field goals for 51.6 percent, including 64 of 137 three-point field goals for 46.7 percent. He is 54 of 66 (81.8 percent) from the free throw line. In NCC play, Marshall is averaging 16.6 points and 3.0 rebounds per game. Marshall, averaging 30.4 minutes, has scored in double figures in 17 games, including eight over 20 points (27, Missouri Western, Nov. 20; 26, Western State, Dec. 1; 25, Minnesota State-Mankato, Dec. 8; 27, Dakota Wesleyan, Dec. 16; and 26 points vs. SDSU, Dec. 30, 23, North Dakota). Marshall has two game over 30 points this season (32 vs. Northern Colorado, Feb. 2; 30 vs. Morningside, Feb. 16) He has a season high of eight rebounds vs. Dakota Wesleyan, Dec. 16. JOSH MUELLER: Mueller (Hartford, S.D.), a 5'11 freshman point guard, is averaging 17.5 points per game. He averages a NCC best 2.17 steals and 6.7 assists, and also pulls down 3.5 rebounds per game. Mueller has made 133 of 317 field goals for 42 percent and 51 of 159 three-point field goals for 32.1 percent. He has hit 104 of 125 free throws for 83.2 percent. Mueller is averaging 33 minutes per game. In NCC play, Mueller is averaging 18.5 points (4th in the NCC), 6.7 assists (1st in the NCC), 3.6 rebounds and 2.17 steals (1st in the NCC) per game. Mueller has made 90 of 222 field goals for 40.5 percent; 35 of 112 three-point field goals for 31.2 percent and 81 of 96 free throws for 84.4 percent. He scored a season and career high of 28 points vs. Augustana (90-73 win) on Dec. 29. He has reached double figure scoring in 19 of the 23 games. Mueller has 10 games over 20 points (23, 27, 20, 25, 28, 20, 27, 26, 25, and 26). He has a season high of 16 assists vs. Northern Colorado on Feb. 2, 2002. Mueller has a season and career high of seven steals vs. North Dakota, Jan. 11 at the DakotaDome. He hit a career high of six three-point field goals (eight attempts) vs. Nebraska-Omaha on Feb.1, 2002. He has three double doubles (points and assists) - 22 points and 10 rebounds vs. Morningside on Jan. 19 and 11 points and 16 assists vs. Northern Colorado on Feb. 2 at North Dakota on Feb. 9th, 15 points and 10 assists. He has four double digit assist games, including 12 vs. Morningside on Feb. 16 at the Dome. STEVE ANDERSON: Anderson (Rapid City, S.D.) is averaging 10.0 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. Averaging 27.0 minutes per game, the 6'7 sophomore forward has hit 77 of 138 field goals for 55.8 percent and four of nine (44.4 percent) three-point field goals. He has now made 83 of 110 free throws for 75.5 percent. In NCC play, Anderson is scoring 9.7 points and grabbing 7.2 rebounds per game. Anderson has made 51 of 87 field goals for 58.6 percent in NCC play. In the win over Missouri Western (98-85), he tied a DakotaDome record with 22 rebounds. He opened the season with two consecutive double doubles (points and rebounds). He had 12 points and 22 rebounds vs. Missouri Western and 23 points (season and career high) and 10 rebounds vs. Minnesota-Morris (96-69 win) on Nov. 20. He has five double doubles, including 16 points and 14 rebounds vs. Morningside on Jan. 19. He has seven double-digit rebound games and he has scored in double figures on 12 occasions. JIMMIE FOSTER: An all-NCC performer in 2000-01, Foster (Milwaukee, Wisc.) is averaging 13.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 29.4 minutes per game. He has made 122 of 258 field goals for 47.3 percent. The 6'4 forward has made 13 of 47 from three-point range (27.7 percent) and 75 of 101 (74.3 percent) from the free throw line. In NCC play, Foster is averaging 14.3 points, 2.1 assists and 5.8 rebounds. He scored a season high 22 points in the Coyotes' 69-63 win over NDSU on Jan. 12. He scored 20 points vs. Nebraska-Omaha on Feb. 2, 2002, and also had 19 points in the 67-63 win over Northern Colorado on Jan. 4 and a 78-71 loss to Augustana on Jan. 26, 2002. He has scored in double figures 18 times. He has a season of nine rebounds vs. Southwest State on Nov. 30 and Augustana on Dec. 29. He scored a career high of 33 points vs. Nebraska-Omaha on Jan. 5, 2001 at the DakotaDome. J.D. ROBERTS: Roberts (Ponca, Neb.), who had season highs of 15 points and 13 rebounds in the 98-85 win over Missouri Western on Nov. 20, is averaging 3.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. A 6'6 power forward, Roberts has hit 51 of 92 field goals for 55.4 percent and 26 of 45 free throws for 57.8 percent. He is averaging 22.5 minutes per game. ERIC HOLMSTADT: The 6'9 sophomore forward/center is averaging 3.2 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. Holmstadt (Monticello, Minn.) has hit 13 of 30 field goals for 43.3 percent and 25 of 30 free throws for 83.3 percent. He has a season high of 13 points and nine rebounds against Western State (104-78 win) on Dec. 1. He is averaging 7.3 minutes per game. LUKE TIBBETTS: A 6'3 freshman point guard, Tibbetts (Sioux Falls, S.D. ) is averaging 3.9 points 1.7 assists and 1.4 rebounds per game. He has hit 30 of 69 field goals for 43.5 percent and 26 of 40 free throws for 65 percent. He has made four of 16 three-point field goals. Tibbetts has a season high of 17 points in the win vs. Mount Senario (100-36) on Nov. 26. He is averaging 12.6 minutes per game. ERIC HICKENBOTTOM: A 6'6 senior guard/forward (Agency, Iowa), Hickenbottom is averaging 8.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. He has hit 71 of 146 field goals for 48.6 percent and is 19 of 49 (38.8 percent) from three-point range. He has made 37 of 50 free throws for 74 percent. In NCC play, he is averaging 8.4 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. He is 17 of 35 for 48.6 percent from three-point range (fifth in the NCC); 48 of 98 in field goals for 49.0 percent; and 22 of 28 for 78.6 percent from the free throw line in NCC games. He has a double double - 13 points and 11 rebounds in a 100-36 victory over Mount Senario on Nov. 26. He is averaging 20.9 minutes per game. He scored a season high of 21 points in the 86-73 win over NDSU on Friday, Feb. 8 in Fargo, N.D. SCOTT HANSEN: A 6'7 senior forward (Coleridge, Neb.), he is averaging 5.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. He has made 42 of 81 field goals for 51.9 percent and a NCC-leading 35 of 66 for 53.0 percent from three-point range. In NCC games only, Hansen has made 33 of 59 field goals for 55.9 percent. Hansen is 26 of 46 for 56.5 percent (leads NCC) from the three-point line in NCC play. He has a season high of 16 points vs. Morningside on Jan. 19. He grabbed a season of 10 rebounds vs. Mount Senario on Nov. 26. He is averaging 18 minutes per game. He had a career-high 25 points vs. Minnesota-Morris in November, 2000. DANIEL TUMIS: A 6'8 junior forward (Tomball, Texas), Tumis is averaging 1.8 points and 1.0 rebounds per game. He is averaging 4.2 minutes. Tumis has made seven of 18 field goals for 38.9 percent, including seven of 14 three-point baskets for 50 percent. He is 2-2 from the free throw line. Tumis has a season high of six points vs. Simpson College on Dec. 21. Twice, he has grabbed a season high of four rebounds (Minnesota-Morris, Nov. 21; and Mount Senario, Nov. 26). CHRIS KASSIN: A 6'1 senior guard (Huron, S.D.), is averaging 0.9 points and 0.5 rebounds per game. He is averaging 2.8 minutes per game, hitting three of 10 field goals and three of seven free throws. He has three rebounds and one assist.