Vermittelt » Fitts was in his second season as a starter and

CLEMSON, S.C. -- Donte Grantham knows too well Clemsons bad reputation for early season stumbles. Hes glad he and his teammates are getting the chance to quash that with their strong play.The Tigers (6-2) did it again Saturday, blowing past Mercer 90-47 to win their fourth straight and second in a row by 40 points or more.Grantham scored 19 points off four 3-pointers.We just wanted to come out here and make a statement that were a good team, said Grantham, the 6-foot-8 junior. We believe that, but we have to showcase that.It was fully on display against the Bears (5-5), who have lost four of five since opening 4-1.Grantham had two 3-pointers and a 3-point play as the Tigers led 18-11. He closed the first half with a 3 that put Clemson ahead 49-25 and Mercer could not dent the lead.The Bears settled for too many outside shots -- 14 of 23 first-half attempts were from behind the arc -- instead of going strong against Clemsons defense, Mercer coach Bob Hoffman said.You cant win that way and thats not how were going to win, he said.Jaron Blossomgame had 16 points as the Tigers had five players finish in double figures. Grantham also added six rebounds, two assists and block and a steal.Its the first time Clemson has won consecutive games by at least 40 points since the start of the 2009-10 season when it beat Presbyterian by 43 points and Liberty by 40 next time out.Rian Holland had 12 points to lead the Bears, who have lost four of their past five games after opening 4-1.BIG PICTUREMercer: The Bears saw their run of ACC wins end at three, losing to an ACC opponent for the first time since an 87-78 defeat to Georgia Tech in the 2010-11 season. Mercer made a huge splash in their previous ACC matchup, topping third-seeded Duke in the 2014 NCAA Tournament. Then again, no members of that team remain with the program. Holland, the Bears top scorer, is in his first season at Mercer after two seasons at Wichita State and a year at Indian Hills Community College.Clemson: The Tigers took care of another typically troublesome early season opponent in fast fashion, a strong sign for what they might achieve. Clemson hasnt been to the NCAA Tournament since coach Brad Brownells first season in 2010-11, a huge reason because of pre-ACC season losses. The Tigers won 10 ACC games last season, yet only seven against nonleague opponents as they missed the postseason.We needed to play well during this time and we have so far, Brownell said.HEISMAN WATCHClemson quarterback Deshaun Watsons try for the Heisman Trophy later Saturday came up several times during the basketball game. Watsons image flashed on the big scoreboard screen several times and Grantham said hed be watching and rooting for his fellow Tiger.He should get it if theyre giving it to winners, Clemson coach Brad Brownell said.BAD BEARSMercer struggled driving the ball against Clemson, ending with just seven foul shots. The Bears committed 18 turnovers and were called for 25 fouls.ROSTER HELPClemson is getting closer to adding Texas A&M transfer, 6-foot-9 Elijah Thomas, to the lineup. Brownell said Thomas, who sat out since last winter, would be eligible to play for the Tigers at Alabama on Dec. 18. Hell be a boost to a front line with only 6-10 starter Sidy Djitte and backup, 7-footer Legend Robertin available.UP NEXTMercer: Gets a week off before playing at Auburn on Dec. 18.Clemson: Will face South Carolina State on Tuesday night.---More AP college basketball at http://collegebasketball.ap.org and https://twitter.com/AP-Top25 Kenny Stabler Youth Jersey . The Barrie Colts defenceman, who impressed many with his play for Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championship, is the top-ranked skater in the February rankings. He has 19 goals and 24 assists for 43 points in 45 games with the Colts this season. Hunter Renfrow Youth Jersey . Defenceman Yannick Weber scored the go-ahead goal early in the third period and the Canucks breathed a sigh of relief with a 2-1 win on Saturday night. http://www.footballraidersmall.com/Youth-Bo-Jackson-Elite-Jersey/ . - The Oakland Raiders re-signed offensive lineman Khalif Barnes on Friday. Willie Brown Jersey . Perhaps Carroll was so prepared for a break because he believes there is very little the Seattle Seahawks need heading into the off-season. "I dont see anything that we need to add. We just have to get better," Carroll said. Fred Biletnikoff Youth Jersey . McPhee said that Ovechkins father Mikhail is in stable condition after having the surgery this week and is no longer in intensive care. "Weve told him to stay as long as necessary with your dad," he said. Ovechkin and his Russian national team were eliminated from the mens hockey tournament in Sochi on Wednesday with a 3-1 quarter-final loss to Finland. SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah starting running back Joe Williams has retired from football after a slow start to the 2016 season.Coach Kyle Whittingham said the senior has some physical issues that forced him to leave the game. Williams was expected to replace current Denver Broncos running back Devontae Booker, but struggled and was benched during the last game after losing a fumble. Ball security had been an issue for Williams since 2015.His body is just worn out, Whittingham told reporters Tuesday. It has nothing to do with playing time or any bad feelings, hes leaving on good terms. I think you noticed in some games that hes just not the same guy. He has some things that are really bothering him physically so hes going to retire.Williams rushed for 75 yards on 22 carries in two games this season and is on track to graduate in December. Freshman Zack Moss has been promoted to starter after rushing for 58 yards on 12 carries in his debut last week.Whittingham also announced that defensive end Kylie Fitts will miss the reest of the season with a foot injury.dddddddddddd. Fitts was in his second season as a starter and led the Utes with seven sacks in 2015. The senior will apply for a medical redshirt.Seniors Pita Taumoepenu and Hunter Dimick are listed as starters at defensive end.Senior receiver Cory Butler-Byrd has been reinstated from an indefinite suspension. He was suspended amid a misdemeanor criminal mischief investigation stemming from allegations that he damaged a university police patrol car and building in July. Butler-Byrd has pleaded guilty in the case.He served his two-game suspension so we feel like hes done everything that has been asked of him, Whittingham said. He still has things that hell adhere to the rest of the way, but hes good to go.Butler-Byrd played cornerback in 2015, but made the switch to receiver to help an offense that has struggled through the air since joining the Pac-12. ' ' '