Jerian Grant perfomed at a high level Saturday, dropping 26 points to lead the Irish over Chicago State. Pit file photo.
[dropcap]J[/dropcap]erian Grant had a breakout performance Saturday afternoon, matching a career-high 26 points with five assists to help Notre Dame rout Chicago State, 90-42.
The senior from Bowie, MD played like an all-star, sinking 8-of-12 with a career best of six three’s and putting away all four shots from the line.
“He is a scary talent, man,” Notre Dame coach Mike Brey told press following the game. “I feel like I’m coaching a pro, because he is a pro.”
Grant received help from his teammates in the big win, with Pat Connaughton scoring 17 points and Demetrius Jackson scoring 11.
Connaughton shot 6-for-10 overall with seven of those attempts coming from long range — he sunk three — while sinking two shots from the line. He tallied five rebounds (1-4), four assists and one steal. Jackson was 3-for-7 with six points from behind the arc , five rebounds (1-4), three assists and three steals.
Zach Auguste scored nine points but came away with eight defensive rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block.
The Irish received help from the bench, with V.J. Beachem tallying 11 points. Beachem went 4-of-5 and sunk 3-of-4 threes. He had a rebound on both ends of the ball, an assist and a steal.
Chicago State (2-6) will face DePaul (2-1) at home Thursday.
Notre Dame (6-1) will need to continue playing the way they are to stand a chance against No. 20 Michigan State on Wednesday. The Spartans (5-1) will be the first true challenge this year for the Irish.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Pit will be at Wednesday’s game, so be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for in-game stats, news and photos.
