the big goal which is the Trans-Tasman trophy.Were

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-Top25Clearance Football Jerseys Throwback . 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Everton manager Roberto Martinez says that keeping Baines at the club is a "massive boost and exciting for the future" because he brings "maturity and football knowledge in a very specialized position on the pitch" and an "infectious and positive influence to the rest of the squad.They were impressive and unrelenting in their 11-goal victory over the NSW Swifts, but sharpshooter Romelda Aiken believes the Queensland Firebirds must keep improving in their quest to capture consecutive Trans-Tasman netball championships.Aiken was at her devastating best during the Firebirds 63-52 victory in Mondays Australian Conference Final, scoring 49 from 55 attempts to take her season tally to 620 goals.The Firebirds sent a clear message to the rest of the competition as they dismantled their perennial rivals in emphatic fashion in front of a 6500-strong crowd at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Monday night.The defending champions will now host a semi-final clash against the Dunedin-based Southern Steel for a place in the 2016 decider.With the carrot of a home grand final dangling in front of them, the Firebirds are in the perfect position to snare back-to- back championships.Despite the distinct advantage of playing at home, where they havent lost since the beginning of the 2015 season, Aiken said cannot think about more than one game at a time.dddddddddddd.Its not about going back-to-back, said the Jamaican international.Winning is about a process and you have to do the little things to reach the big goal which is the Trans-Tasman trophy.Were working really hard to make sure we get the things right that will put us in that position.Before they can focus on contesting a fourth consecutive grand final, the Firebirds must overcome the Southern Steel, who took the honours at home against an understrength Queensland side in Round 11.When we played them last time we didnt have a full squad, Aiken said.They are really patient with the ball and theyll punish us whenever we make a turnover, so Im looking forward to the contest. 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