IOWA CITY – Fifth-ranked Iowa downed North Carolina Central 97-67 in the Hawkeyes’ season-opener, led by Loka Garza’s 26 points.
Iowa got separation from NCCU by virtue of a 20-2 scoring run spanning 8:49 in the first half, and took a 15-point lead at intermission.
Iowa has won its last ten season openers, dating back to the 2011-12 season.
A Luka Garza dunk with 16:43 left in the second half was his 20th point of the game and career point No. 1,579, passing Dean Oliver and Adam Haluska for 10th in Iowa all-time scoring. The All-American has tallied 20 points or more in 17 straight games, dating back to last season.
The 17-game streak is the longest in Division I since Oklahoma’s Trae Young had an 18-game streak in 2017-18. Garza finished today’s contest with 26 points and 10 rebounds in only 24 minutes of action, his first double-double of the season and 21st of his career.
Iowa has won 14 of its last 15 games inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena, dating back to last season.
Joe Wieskamp made his first five free throws to extend his consecutive free throws made streak to 27, dating back to last season, before missing in the second half.
Iowa improves to 2-0 all-time against North Carolina Central.
Iowa returns to action Friday against Southern University. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. (CT) on Mediacom Court at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
