JONESBORO, Ark.- Arkansas State used a 14-0 run midway in the second half to break open a close game and go on to defeat Savannah State 68-55 in the ASU Convocation Center before a crowd of 2,215.

The Red Wolves led 45-43 after SSU's Cedric Smith hit a pair of free throw shots with 12:24 on the clock.

ASU answered Smith's free throws with 14 unanswered points to increase their lead to 57-43 with 8:15 remaining.

3-pointers by Joshua Montgomery and Jovonni Shuler as well as a layup by Shuler helped SSU get within eight with 4:57 remaining.

However, Savannah State would get no closer and Shuler's layup would be the last field goal of the evening for the Tigers as ASU reeled off nine straight points and finished the contest by holding Savannah State to just four free throws.

The Tigers fell to 1-13 while Arkansas State improved to 4-7.

Savannah State started the game with a 18-6 advantage but the Red Wolves responded with a 16-4 run to tie the game at 22 with 5:38 on the clock.

A dunk by Smith gave SSU a 31-28 advantage with 2:05 remaining but Arkansas State closed the period with a layup from Brandon Peterson and a 3-pointer from Edward Townsel to take a 33-31 halftime lead.

Preston Blackmon had 19 points, 3 assists and 3 steals for SSU while Peterson had 19 points and 7 rebounds for the Red Wolves.

Arkansas State out-rebounded SSU 44 to 21.