SALEM, W.Va. - Zach Brown and Brian Grant scored 20 points apiece to lead the Yellow Jackets to a strong finish for an 86-77 win at Salem International.

Cedarville found itself in a 67-67 deadlock with the winless Tigers with 8:05 left. Austin Foote buried a three-pointer to spark the Jackets on a 14-2 run and they rode the momentum to their third consecutive victory.

CU, 6-2 overall, expected a much tougher ball game from the Salem squad they faced in the Callan Athletic Center on Nov. 19. In that meeting, the Yellow Jackets led by as much as 35 before winning, 106-87.

This time, SIU appeared rejuvenated in what was their home opener. The Tigers controlled most of the first period and even enjoyed a 33-21 advantage with 5:30 left. Cedarville responded and tied the score, 42-42, at the break thanks to a late three-pointer from Daniel Hickman.

The two teams played on even terms for the first 12 minutes of the second period before Cedarville sent the Tigers, 0-8, down to another setback.

Brown helped his performance with seven assists, seven rebounds, and a steal. Grant netted 14 of his 20 points after the break and pulled down a team-high eight rebounds.

Hickman came off the bench with 13 points while Zimmy Nwogbo provided 10 points along with six assists.

The Yellow Jackets shot 59 percent from the field overall, knocked down 12-of-18 three pointers, and converted 20-of-27 free throws. They also controlled the boards, 35-23.

STATS