Tigers crush Delaware State

Jerai Grant's 15 points leads Clemson to an easy 76-41 win over Delaware State Monday night at Littlejohn Coliseum.

BOX SCORE: Clemson 76 Delaware State 41

Grant scored 15 while also dishing out five assists while Milton Jennings added 11 points and nine rebounds.

Delaware State trailed 12-11 with 12 minutes left in the first half before the Tigers responded with an 18-0 run over the next five minutes of play.

“It was a really good win for our guys. I thought we played really efficient basketball," head coach Brad Brownell said afterwards. "I talked to our team about playing with basketball sureness tonight—making the extra pass, sharing the ball, being strong, meeting passes, and limiting turnovers.

"We were facing a team that plays a bunch of different defenses and tries to make you get out of rhythm. They go trap at different times. I think our guys showed good poise.”

The win moves Clemson's record to 9-4 and is also the Tigers fourth straight.

After building a 21 point lead at halftime, the Tigers scored the first seven points of the second half and led by as many as 36 points later on.

The play of Jerai Grant continues to improve as well, despite the fact he's coming off the bench.

“I think he’s gaining confidence from good play. I don’t think Jerai has ever been counted on. I don’t know if he’s ever gotten the amount of touches that he’s gotten. It’s clear that he and Demontez (Stitt) are two guys that have some experience and need to play well for us to win.

"As he’s had some good success, he’s gotten more confident and been more aggressive," Brownell said. "Our team has been looking for him. It’s a little path of momentum that you hope to ride for a while because he’s a big part of what we’ve got to do.”

Grant said the biggest difference for him this season has been his overall maturity.

"I don't really think I'm doing anything different," he said. "It's just kind of maturing into a leadership role and doing what I need to do to help my team win."

"Coach has really emphasized the inside-out game and that's how we can be a better team.

"It feels good to be needed."

The Tigers shot 56.6 percent from the field (30 of 53), while Delaware State shot only 38.3 percent (18 of 47).

Clemson returns to action Wednesday against East Carolina at Littlejohn Coliseum.

Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM.