Iowa rolls to 103-68 win over Coppin State

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) Fran McCaffery knows these early season games are critical to developing a young team.

Iowa's rotation is full of newcomers trying to show what they can do with extended playing time in blowout wins.

Brady Ellingson scored a career-high 20 points, Dom Uhl added 18 in his first career start, and Iowa rolled to a 103-68 victory over Coppin State on Sunday.

Junior-college transfer Dale Jones had 16 points for the Hawkeyes (2-0), who eclipsed the 100-point plateau for the first time in two seasons. Iowa's bench scored 58 points and 10 different Hawkeyes scored at least five points.

''When you have young players, you've got to be able to let them get in the game, make a mistake and stay in the game,'' McCaffery said. ''If every possession in the game was in the balance, it's hard to do sometimes.''

Terry Harris Jr. had 16 points and 11 rebounds to lead Coppin State (0-2). Christian Kessee had 15 points and Josh Treadwell added 14.

The Hawkeyes had 31 assists on 40 field goals, made 12 3-pointers and held Coppin State to 32 percent shooting.

Iowa jumped out to a 22-2 lead in the first six minutes, allowing McCaffery to empty the bench early.

Ellingson, who missed most of last season with a foot injury, was 7 of 8 from the floor and made 5 of 6 free throws. Ellingson is known mostly for his shooting range, but cut into the paint for three lay-ups in the second half.

''I had a lot of open looks thanks to my teammates,'' Ellingson said. ''We moved the ball well.''

Iowa guard Peter Jok didn't play after leaving Friday's game against Gardner Webb with an ankle injury. Uhl started in his place and made 7 of 10 field goals- including three 3-pointers.

Uhl averaged 10 minutes a game last season as Aaron White's backup. Uhl will see considerable time this year as Iowa's sixth man - and impromptu starter when needed.

Mike Gesell had a career-high 12 assists - one less than Coppin State had as a team. Gesell has 21 assists in Iowa's first two games.

''He's really pushing it hard,'' McCaffery said. ''He's got his head up. He's making real good decisions.''

Iowa's Jarrod Uthoff added 13 points, seven rebounds and three blocks in just 18 minutes.

INJURY UPDATE

Jok didn't dress after hurting his ankle in a collision with teammate Anthony Clemmons on Friday. McCaffery said Jok will be okay, but it's not clear yet whether he will be available for Wednesday's game at Marquette.

COURTSIDE

Freshman Brandon Hutton hasn't played in Iowa's first two games. McCaffery still hasn't decided on whether the forward will redshirt or not. ''I'm being a little careful with that, whether we're going to burn this year or not,'' McCaffery said.

TIP-INS

Iowa: The Hawkeyes are 16-0 all-time against the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. . Iowa handed out Anthony Clemmons bobbleheads to the first 1,500 fans at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. ... Clemmons had seven points and five assists.

Coppin State: The Eagles haven't led in either of their first two games. . Coppin State returns to the state of Iowa next month to play at No. 7 Iowa State on Dec. 30.

UP NEXT

Iowa travels to Marquette on Thursday as part of the inaugural Big Ten-Big East series.

Coppin State plays Goldey-Beacom on Wednesday in its home opener.