Tigers end skid, beat Savannah State

CLEMSON - Brad Brownell's crew ends a three-game skid by beating Savannah State, 61-40.

BOX SCORE: Clemson 61 Savannah State 40

Jerai Grant scored 15 points coming off the bench to pace Clemson to a 21-point victory over Savannah State Friday at Littlejohn Coliseum.

The Tigers took an early 4-3 lead and never trailed in ending a three-game skid to improve to 6-4 on the year.

Savannah State lost its 12th game in a row to fall to 1-12.

"Savannah State is a tough team; they hang with people for a long time," head coach Brad Brownell said afterwards. "They are able to make runs to keep the game close which makes them a dangerous team."

Clemson connected on 5 of 10 shots from behind the arc, including a perfect 3 for 3 by Andre Young to build a 37-20 halftime lead.

The Tigers started walk-on Zavier Anderson due to Demontez Stitt missing the game after having arthroscopic knee surgery last Monday, and also Cory Stanton suffering from the flu.

Anderson, a native of Greenville, S.C., played a career high 33 minutes scoring two points while dishing out six assists and recording two steals.

"Zavier guards the ball well and shares the ball well," Brownell said. "I knew there was going to be a time we would need him to play. This was very good for him; he can be a productive player for us."

Tanner Smith also added 11 points for the Tigers, who held Savannah State to just 11 of 48 from the field (22.9 percent).

Grant led the Tigers in scoring despite not starting the game due to the fact he was running late earlier in the week.

"That is not acceptable," said Brownell. "When he entered the game, he played well. He has been playing well and gaining confidence, his game is improving. Now, we need him to improve as a leader."

Clemson returns to action Sunday against UNC-Greensboro at 2 p.m. in Littlejohn Coliseum.