ORANGEBURG, S.C. – The Benedict College Lady Tigers saw a 12-point lead nearly slip away, but held on to take a 64-60 victory over the Claflin University Lady Panthers on Wednesday night.

Benedict shot just 29.4 percent (20-of-68) for the game and were out-rebounded 53-40, but hit five 3-pointers compared to none for Claflin, and forced the Lady Panthers into 23 turnovers.

Benedict won for the fourth game in a row and improved to 5-1 on the season, and 4-0 in the SIAC. Claflin fell to 2-8 overall and 2-7 in the SIAC.

“It was all defensive effort,” said Benedict coach Felecia Jenkins. “Our defense is going to keep us in the game. Our offense comes and goes, but we know as a team if we rely on our defense, we always have a chance. Tonight it paid dividends.”

Bridget Williams led Benedict with 13 points, while Monique Weathers added 12 points and seven rebounds. Alexus Jones had a team-high eight rebounds.

Benedict took the lead for good with 10:45 left in the first half when Jones hit a jumper for a 17-15 lead. Claflin got within 24-22 with 4:46 left in the first half on a steal and layup by Tylesha Brown, but Williams countered with a 3-pointer to give the Lady Tigers a 27-22 lead. Benedict hit five of six free-throws in the final three and a half minutes to take a 35-28 lead at the half.

The Lady Tigers broke open a 43-40 game with a 9-1 run early in the second half. Weathers had a 3-pointer during that run.

Benedict took a 62-50 lead when Ashlee Jones put back an offensive rebound for the Lady Tigers' biggest lead of the game. But then the Lady Tigers went on a scoring drought, as the Lady Panthers scored nine straight points to cut the lead to 62-59 with 2:24 left in the game.

Cierra Moore snapped the dry spell by scoring off an offensive rebound with 1:22 left to make it 64-59.

“Every good team is going to make runs,” Jenkins said. “It's how you withstand those runs that shows your character. This is probably the toughest game we've had this year in the conference.”

Claflin's Laquanda Williiams hit a free throw with 25 seconds left for the final points of the game. Williams led Claflin with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Brittani Jones also had a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

Benedict travels to Lane College in Jackson, Tenn., on Saturday to face the Lady Dragons.