Without the starting point guard, Minnesota would be lost on offense. With him, the Gophers have the chance to beat any team in the nation when the NCAA Tournament begins on Friday.
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Mbakwe, the sixth-year senior, has become Minnesota's most effective player on the court and is revitalizing the Gophers season just in time for the NCAA Tournament.
The Gophers won convincingly on Saturday, 73-44, against the Penn State Nittany Lions. The quartet of Minnesota seniors finished with 37 combined points.
Minnesota will tout nine graduating seniors, including MarQueis Gray, on Monday to NFL pro scouts. Pro Day with take place at 8 a.m. at the Gibson-Nagurski Football Complex.
Minnesota coaching change seems inevitable, but who could replace Tubby?
On Tuesday night, Mbakwe helped Minnesota shock college basketball by beating the Indiana Hoosiers at home, 77-73.
Trevor Mbakwe had 10 points in the first six minutes on Tuesday, but it was not enough for the Minnesota Gophers against the Indiana Hoosiers.
While Tubby Smith continues to be grilled on the hot seat with a record of 18-9, the types of the losses that the Gophers have accumulated over the season should keep the team in check when March arrives.
Trevor Mbakwe and Andre Hollins were the only starters for Tubby Smith on Wednesday to make a field goals. As a unit, the Minnesota Gophers starting lineup accounted for just six made field goals as the Ohio State Buckeyes took care of business, 71-45.
Perhaps the greater argument that has not circulated is whether or not the Gophers have a bigger problem on its hands with the possible loss of Rodney Williams.
Iowa (17-9, 6-7) head coach Fran McCaffery made a simple coaching move in the middle of the first half that forced the 180 turn. The implementation of a 2-3 zone defense allowed the Hawkeyes to outduel the Gophers, 72-51.