Episode #84 - Emilee Thiesse & Matt Margenthaler (women's & men's head basketball coaches at Minnesota State Mankato

The Bare's Den w/ Matt Bare

For only the second time ever and for the first time since 1984, the same school has won both the women’s and men’s basketball championship in division two. That school is Minnesota State Mankato! In this two part episode you will hear from the coach of each of those teams.

In her 12th season as head coach Emilee Thiesse led the Mavericks to a 32 - 5 record this year, the NSIC regular season and tournament titles and of course the national championship. Coach Thiesse’s team is known for its uptempo and full court style of play and with that style forced their opponents into an average of 28 turnovers per game. We chat about overcoming a slow start to the beginning of their season, getting on a roll in the regular season and capping it all off in a championship.

Coach Matt Margenthaler has led the men’s team for 23 seasons at Mankato and this year’s team finished 35 - 2 and also won the NSIC regular season and tournament titles along with winning the national championship in dramatic fashion. The son of a coach he has basketball in his blood along with a deep passion for Mavericks hoops. We discuss what made this team special, playing on their home court in the regional playoffs and that memorable championship game.