The Iowa Hawkeyes kicked off the 2026-27 campaign with a decisive 76-54 victory over the Lipscomb Bisons inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena, securing a 1-0 start despite a lackluster offensive performance. The team struggled from deep, converting just 24% of their three-point attempts, and notably, no starter recorded a double-digit scoring total. However, Iowa’s depth proved to be the decisive factor, as the bench unit fueled a dominant second-half surge that allowed the Hawkeyes to cruise to a comfortable 22-point margin.
Bench unit drives 76-54 win despite poor shooting and missing center
Freshman guard and forward Coon emerged as the standout performer in his collegiate debut, leading all Hawkeyes with 12 points in just 19 minutes off the bench. His efficiency was complemented by six rebounds, showcasing his immediate impact on both ends of the floor. Coon’s performance highlighted the resilience of the roster, which managed to overcome its shooting woes by relying on execution and energy from the reserves rather than its starting lineup.
Head coach Ben McCollum will undoubtedly seek to refine the team’s perimeter shooting and offensive consistency in upcoming practices. The absence of starting center Andrew McKeever, who missed the game due to a back issue, forced the squad to adapt, but the rest of the team stepped up admirably. Iowa aims to have McKeever back in action for Friday night’s matchup against Eastern Illinois, with the hope that a full-strength roster will translate into a more polished offensive display.
Source: Yahoo Sports
