COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Benedict College Lady Tigers extended their winning streak to eight games and solidified their hold on the top spot in the SIAC East Division with a 53-48 victory over rival Claflin University on Tuesday night in the Benjamin E. Mays HRC Arena.

Destiny Betts, the two-time SIAC Player of the Week, continued her strong play with her 12^th double-double of the season and fourth consecutive by scoring 16 points and grabbing 22 rebounds. LeAnna Morrison added 11 points.

Benedict improves to 14-7 overall and 10-1 in the SIAC. Claflin drops to 13-7 overall and 8-2 in the SIAC.

Simone Roberts hit a pair of 3-pointers in the final four minutes, including a key 3-pointer with 2:05 left to play to give the Lady Tigers a 49-44 lead with 2:05 remaining.

Claflin cut the lead to 51-48 on a pair of free throws with 10 seconds left, but MiKeisha Moore sealed the victory with two free throws with seven seconds on the clock.

Benedict came out hot, jumping out to a quick 13-1 lead in the first quarter before Claflin cut the lead to 15-10 at the end of the quarter. Benedict had a 25-22 lead at the half. Claflin took its only lead of the game early in the third quarter, 28-27, after a three-point play by Dionna Marcus. The Lady Tigers retook the lead on a three-point play by Betts and never trailed again.

Benedict travels to face Paine College on Monday.