MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota star Trevor Mbakwe has had reconstructive surgery on his injured right knee.

Coach Tubby Smith said Friday’s procedure went “very well” for the senior forward, whose college career ended early when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament during Minnesota’s loss to Dayton on Nov. 27.

The Gophers won their first six games to finish their nonconference schedule after Mbakwe was hurt, but they lost their Big Ten opener on Tuesday night at Illinois in double overtime. Minnesota plays at Michigan on Sunday afternoon.

Mbakwe led the team with 14 points and 9.1 rebounds per game before he went down. He was picked for the Preseason All-Big Ten first team.

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