IOWA CITY, Iowa | Despite shooting above their season average from the floor, Alabama State could not overcome the hot-shooting of 20th-ranked Iowa as they fell 105-78 Wednesday night at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Alabama State (2-3), who lost for the first time after back-to-back wins finished the night shooting 45.2 (33-of-73) percent from the floor for the contest, including a 47.1 percent performance in the first half. The Hornets knocked down six of their last 10 shots, but it wasn't enough to overcome an Iowa team that finished the night shooting 59 (36-of-61) percent from the floor that include a first half percentage of 65.7 (23-of-35).

Reginald Gee paced four players in double figures for Alabama State with 16 points, shooting 50 (6-of-12) percent from the floor including connecting on four three-pointers. He also grabbed three rebounds and dished out a pair of assists in the loss. Meanwhile, Jacoby Ross finished with 14 points on 50 (5-of-10) percent shooting from the floor, including four three-pointers. He finished tied for the team-high in assists with five (joining Austin Rogers).

Fausto Pichardo finished the night with his first double-double of the season, and the second of his career, with 12 points and 13 rebounds. Meanwhile, Ed Jones with 14 points for the Hornets.

Iowa opened the game on a 12-0 over the first two minutes of the contest, before Alabama State was able to get on the board with a basket from Pichardo with 17:12 to play in the first half. That was as close as the Hornets could get to Iowa (5-0), who forced 19 Alabama State turnovers and converted those into 25 points.

The Hornets finished the night shooting 34.4 (10-of-29) percent from beyond the arc, and hit just two free throws in eight opportunities. Alabama State won the rebounding battle 40-30, and forced just eight turnovers against Iowa. Meanwhile, Iowa finished the night shooting 39.1 (9-of-23) percent from behind the arc and 82.7 (24-of-29) percent from the free throw line.

Luke Garza led four players in double figures for Iowa with 22 points and four rebounds, while Joe Weskamp added 20 points and five rebounds in the win. Tyler Cook added 16 points and Isaiah Moss 15 for the Hawkeyes.

Alabama State returns to action next Wednesday on the road against Akron, with the game set to tip at 7 pm. The contest will be carried on the Hornet Sports Network, beginning with pregame at 6:45 pm.

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