LEXINGTON, Kentucky (Ticker) -- No. 9 Kentucky maintained its dominance when opening the season at home.

Chuck Hayes and Patrick Sparks scored 12 points apiece as the Wildcats recorded an impressive 77-46 victory over Coppin State.

It was the 26th win in 29 home openers at Rupp Arena for Kentucky, which improved to 68-6 in such affairs since 1930.

"We had a good game today," Wildcats coach Tubby Smith said. "I was really impressed with our defense in the first half, limiting them to only 24 percent of field goals."

Kentucky, which never trailed, scored 29 points off of 22 turnovers by Coppin State. Hayes, who made all eight free-throw attempts, collected 13 rebounds and Sparks shot 3-of-7 from the arc. The Wildcats have won 13 consecutive games when Hayes records a double-double.

Freshman Rajon Rondo scored nine points and Ramel Bradley added seven for the Wildcats, who raced out to a 40-18 lead at the half.

"Overall, I am pleased, but I think there were opportunities where we could have passed the ball and gotten a better shot, but we didn't do that," Smith said of Kentucky's 41 percent (24-of-58) shooting. "I thought we really should have had about 30 assists in the game. Those are the types of things that we really need to work on."

Darryl Proctor scored nine points and Antwan Harrison added eight for Coppin State (0-1), which made just 1-of-12 3-pointers.

"They played well as a team," Harrison said of Kentucky's performance. "They played great team defense and helped each other out when they needed it."

Top returning scorer Kelvin Green did not play for the Eagles due to religious reasons.