Iowa 73, Central Michigan 61: Roy Devyn Marble scored 18 points and freshman Mike Gesell added 15 to help the Hawkeyes overcome a shaky start to defeat the visiting Chippewas.

Iowa hit only one of its first seven field-goal tries to start the game and shot only 35.5 percent from the floor in the first half. After the break, however, the Hawkeyes (2-0) warmed up, connecting on 15-of-27.

Kyle Randall scored 17 points for Central Michigan, which trailed 29-26 at halftime. The Chippewas (0-1) would continue to hang around, with an Olivier Mbaigoto jumper tying the game at 34-34 early in the second half.

A three-pointer from Gesell broke the tie for good for Iowa, sparking a a 24-9 run to establish the largest lead of the game. Gesell added five assists for the Hawkeyes, who also got 14 points and nine rebounds from Aaron White.

Melsahn Basabe, Iowa's leading shot blocker two years running, swatted away four Central Michigan shots, including a pair during a late first-half flurry as the Chippewas threatened. Basabe also pitched in nine points.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Iowa improved to 23-7 all-time against the Mid-American Conference and won the first-ever meeting against Central Michigan. ... Both Randall (6-for-6) and John Simons (5-for-5) were perfect from the foul line for the Chippewas. ... The Hawkeyes employed a full-court press early, forcing the Chippewas into 13 first-half turnovers and 19 overall.