The Minnesota State University Mankato Mavericks began their defense of the NCAA Division II championship with a statement win — then a sobering reality check. On , at the St. Joseph Civic Arena in St. Joseph, Missouri, the Mavericks crushed the Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats 71-49 in their season opener. But by , the same team that looked unstoppable had been outclassed by the Pittsburg State University Gorillas, falling 75-53 in the final game of the CCA Tip-Off Classic. The rollercoaster start to the season underscores just how thin the margin is between dominance and vulnerability in Division II basketball — especially for a team carrying the weight of being champions.
Champions Return, But Not Without Questions
Led by Matt Margenthaler, head coach in his 25th season at Minnesota State with a staggering 508-223 career record, the Mavericks returned eight key players from last year’s title-winning squad. That group includes seniors Chase Bartlett, Puolrah Gong, David Harmon, and Malcolm Jones, along with junior Caden Kirkman, sophomores Will Opsahl and Carson Schweim, and freshman Colton Benson. The core wasn’t just experienced — it was battle-tested. They’d won a national title by outlasting Nova Southeastern University 88-85 in March, and they came into this season with the confidence of champions.But championships don’t defend themselves. And in Division II, the gap between top teams and the rest is narrower than ever. Minnesota State averaged 78.0 points and 36.3 rebounds per game last season — shooting 46% from the field and 35.6% from three. That’s elite. But against Pittsburg State, those numbers vanished.
Beating the Bearcats: A Statement Win
The opener against Northwest Missouri State was textbook Mavericks. They led 39-21 at halftime and never looked back. The Bearcats, coming off a 6-22 season and last place in the MIAA, were outmatched in every facet. They shot just 42.1% from the field last year — and managed even less against Minnesota State’s disciplined defense. The final score of 71-49 wasn’t just a win; it was a declaration. This wasn’t a fluke. This team still had teeth.It was also personal. The two teams had met eight times before, with Northwest Missouri State holding a 4-3 edge in the series — but Minnesota State had won the last meeting, a dramatic 43-42 nail-biter in the NCAA Central Region final last March. That game had been a turning point. Now, the Mavericks had turned it into a statement.
The Gorillas’ Wake-Up Call
But then came November 2. And everything changed.Pittsburg State didn’t just beat Minnesota State — they dismantled them. The Gorillas opened the game with a 37-17 first-quarter explosion. By halftime, they were up 75-53. The Mavericks, who had looked so composed against Northwest Missouri State, looked lost. They scored just 17 points in the first quarter — their lowest output in any opening quarter since 2021. Their three-point shooting, usually a weapon, went ice-cold: 3-for-18. Turnovers piled up. The bench, usually a strength, offered little.
The Gorillas, who’d lost their opener to West Texas A&M 76-70 the night before, used this game to reset. They’d been overlooked — a team with a 17-14 record last season, now hungry to prove they belonged in the conversation. And they did. Their 75-53 win wasn’t just a victory — it was a warning.
What’s Next? The Road Back to the Top
Minnesota State’s schedule doesn’t get easier. After a November 14 matchup against the Central Missouri Mules — a perennial NSIC contender — they’ll host Waldorf, Augustana, Southwest Minnesota State, and Bemidji State at the Taylor Center in Mankato. But the real test? The NSIC gauntlet. Last year, they lost 72-70 to Minot State in the conference tournament. This year, Minot State returns nearly everyone. So do Augustana. So do St. Cloud State.Coach Margenthaler knows this isn’t about winning the opener. It’s about winning the last game. And right now, the Mavericks are somewhere in between. They’ve got the talent. They’ve got the experience. But they’re still learning how to play with the target on their back.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just about one team’s early-season stumble. It’s about the evolving landscape of Division II basketball. The gap between the elite and the rest is shrinking. Teams like Pittsburg State and Central Missouri are investing more. Recruiting better. Coaching smarter. The Mavericks’ title last year wasn’t a fluke — but it also wasn’t a permanent advantage. Now, everyone’s chasing them.For Minnesota State, the next 10 games will define whether they’re still champions… or just a team trying to remember what that feels like.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Minnesota State’s 2024-25 season compare to their 2025-26 start?
Last season, the Mavericks went 28-5 overall, won the NSIC Tournament, and captured the NCAA Division II title with an 88-85 win over Nova Southeastern. This season, they’re 1-1 through two games — a dominant win over Northwest Missouri State followed by a 22-point loss to Pittsburg State. The defense remains strong, but offensive consistency, especially from deep, has been inconsistent — a red flag for a team that relied on balanced scoring to win titles.
Who are the key players returning for Minnesota State this season?
The Mavericks brought back eight players from their championship roster, including seniors Chase Bartlett (14.2 ppg, 6.1 rpg last year), Puolrah Gong (12.8 ppg, 4.9 apg), David Harmon (10.5 ppg, 7.3 rpg), and Malcolm Jones (9.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg). Junior Caden Kirkman and sophomores Will Opsahl and Carson Schweim provide depth, while freshman Colton Benson — a top-50 JUCO recruit — is already showing flashes of being a game-changer off the bench.
Why did Pittsburg State dominate the first quarter so badly?
Pittsburg State attacked aggressively, forcing Minnesota State into 11 first-quarter turnovers with a full-court press that the Mavericks weren’t prepared for. The Gorillas’ guards, led by senior guard Malik Johnson (18.3 ppg last season), exploited the Mavericks’ slow transition defense. Minnesota State, used to controlling tempo, looked out of rhythm — and never recovered. The 37-17 first-quarter lead was the largest opening quarter by any team against Minnesota State since 2019.
What’s the historical rivalry between Minnesota State and Northwest Missouri State?
Before the October 31, 2025, game, Northwest Missouri State held a 4-3 edge in the all-time series, but Minnesota State had won the last two meetings — including the dramatic 43-42 win in the 2024 NCAA Central Region final. That game was a turning point, ending Northwest Missouri State’s 11-game winning streak against the Mavericks. The 71-49 win in 2025 was Minnesota State’s largest margin of victory in the series since 2017, signaling a shift in momentum.
What are the Mavericks’ chances of repeating as champions?
They’re still strong favorites, but the path is tougher. St. Cloud State, Minot State, and Augustana all return top-tier talent. Minnesota State’s depth is a major asset, but their inconsistency from beyond the arc — shooting just 24% from three in the Gorillas game — could cost them in tournament play. If they fix their transition defense and get more production from their bench, they’re still a Final Four lock. If not, they could be eliminated in the regional round — like they were in 2022.
Where can fans watch Minnesota State’s upcoming games?
All home games at the Taylor Center in Mankato are broadcast live on AM 1230 The Fan Mankato, with video streams available via the NSIC Network. Road games, including the November 14 matchup against Central Missouri, will be streamed on ESPN+ through the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference’s partnership. The Mavericks’ full schedule is posted on their official athletics website, with tip times listed in Central Time.
