IOWA CITY – Iowa encountered a pesky opponent Tuesday night but was able to come away with a 86-69 victory over North Carolina Central.
Sophomore forward Keegan Murray registered his first career double-double, totaling game and career bests in scoring (27) and rebounds (21). He also blocked a game-best four shots. Murray has netted 24+ points in each of Iowa’s first three games this season.
Murray is the first Hawkeye since Greg Brunner in 2006 to grab 20+ rebounds in a game; Brunner had 23 against Minnesota on Jan. 18, 2006.
Murray is the first major conference player with 27+ points, 21+ rebounds, and 4+ blocks since Kansas State’s Michael Beasley versus Sacramento State on Nov. 9, 2007.
Jordan Bohannon sank one 3-pointer to tie Ohio State’s Jon Diebler (2008-11) for first in all-time 3-pointers made in Big Ten history with 374.
Keegan Murray made his first nine free throw attempts before missing his 10th attempt tonight, snapping a streak of 21 consecutive free throws made, dating back to last season.
Tony Perkins shined off the bench for the Hawkeyes, scoring a career-best 13 points.
Patrick McCaffery netted a season-best 15 points. The redshirt sophomore has scored in double figures in all three games this season.
Iowa’s largest scoring run was 15-0 in the first half. The Hawkeyes have had scoring runs of 10-0 or more a combined six times in three games.
Iowa improved to 3-0 all-time against North Carolina Central.
Iowa (3-0) returns to action on Thursday against Alabama State (0-4). Tipoff is scheduled for 6:01 p.m. (CT) on Mediacom Court at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.