Trevor Mbakwe returned to game action for the first time in nearly a year as the Gophers blasted Minnesota-State Mankato 81-56 in an exhibition game Thursday night at Williams Arena.
The 23-year old super senior scored 4 points and pulled down 3 rebounds. He received a loud ovation from the home crowd and on his first trip down the court, pulled down an offensive rebound and scored on the put-back.
Former Minnesota Mr. Basketball winner Joe Coleman stole the show, however. The sophomore guard led all scorers with 21 points.
Minnesota’s regular season opener is next Tuesday against American University.
