COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Morehouse College Maroon Tigers outscored Benedict College 43-28 in the second half to defeat the Tigers 68-57 in an SIAC men's basketball game Thursday night in the Benjamin E. Mays HRC Arena.

Benedict shot 31.8 percent from the floor and 55 percent from the free throw line in the second half, while Morehouse made 55.6 percent of its shots in the second half. Benedict had as much as a six-point lead late in the first half and led 29-25 at the break.

Benedict drops behind Morehouse in the SIAC East standings. Morehouse (13-9, 11-4) moves into second place, a half game ahead of Benedict (13-9, 11-5).

Morehouse had four players in double figures. Javrius Gay led the way with 18 points. Tyrone Brown had a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds.

Benedict was led by Deonte Johnson with 17 points, while Jordan Smith added 12. Andrew Crawford chipped in with 11 points.

Morehouse took a 44-39 lead after a layup by Gay with 11:32 on the clock, then Crawford answered with a 3-pointer for the Tigers to cut the lead to 44-42. The Maroon Tigers went on an 11-3 run to take a 10-point lead with 5:54 on the clock. Benedict never got within seven points the rest of the way.

Morehouse had a dominating 32-4 advantage in points in the paint as the Maroon Tigers effectively worked the ball inside.

Benedict takes on Clark Atlanta University at home on Saturday at 3 p.m.