SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — Ceola Clark scored 22 points to lead Western Illinois past Savannah State 59-52 on Sunday.
The Leathernecks (3-0) led by just two at halftime, 26-24, before opening the second half on a 14-5 run. Clark, who scored 13 in the second half, had nine points during the run, which he capped with a 3-pointer for a 40-29 lead with 15:39 remaining.
Western Illinois shot 60 percent from the field in the second half (9 of 15) and finished with a 52.8 field goal percentage (19 of 36).
The Tigers (1-1) brought the score to 46-42 on Preston Blackmon’s free throw with 5:06 left, but they wouldn’t get any closer as Western Illinois scored six straight. Matt Lander’s layup put the Leathernecks ahead 52-42 with 3:56 to go. Lander finished with 15 points and was 6-for-8 shooting.
Jovonni Shuler led the Tigers with 22 points, 17 in the second half, and Blackmon finished with 11.
