CMU hangs tough, but falls in 2nd half to Iowa
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) - Devyn Marble scored 18 points and Mike Gesell added 15 as Iowa beat Central Michigan 73-61 on Monday night.
Aaron White had 14 points and nine rebounds for the Hawkeyes (2-0), who couldn't pull away against the inexperienced Chippewas until a 14-3 run midway through the second half.
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Kyle Randall scored 17 points for Central Michigan (0-1). The Chippewas cut the lead to seven points with 4 ½ minutes left, but got no closer.
Gesell powered the key second-half stretch for Iowa that pushed a 41-38 lead with 13 minutes left into a comfortable advantage three minutes later.
The 6-foot-1 guard knocked down a 3-pointer to start the run. Eric May's steal and layup and Marble's jumper gave the Hawkeyes a 48-38 lead.
After a Central Michigan basket, Gesell hit another 3-pointer. On Iowa's next trip, he found Marble, who drained a 3-pointer for a 54-40 lead with 10 minutes remaining.
Melsahn Basabe had nine points and four blocks off the bench for the Hawkeyes, who are halfway through a four-game, eight-day stretch to open the season.
First-year Central Michigan coach Keno Davis, the son of former Hawkeye coach Tom Davis, began his career as an undergraduate assistant for his father at Iowa from 1991-95.
Later, in 2003, Davis joined his father at Drake and replaced him as head coach in 2007. Keno Davis was named the 2008 AP National Coach of the Year after guiding the Bulldogs to a 28-5 record and the school's first Missouri Valley Conference title since 1971.
Davis faces a tougher task with the rebuilding Chippewas, who have reached one NCAA tournament the past 25 years.
Central Michigan's roster features nine newcomers - including eight first-year Division I players - and only one returning starter. But the Chippewas played Iowa tough, despite a noticeable size disadvantage.
Anthony Clemmons hit a 3-pointer with 5 seconds left in the first half to give the Hawkeyes a 29-26 lead at intermission.
The teams combined for 24 turnovers and 32 percent shooting in a sloppy first half.