ORANGEBURG, S.C. – The Claflin University Lady Panthers broke away from a 49-49 tie with just under five minutes left and pulled away for a 58-55 victory in a SAIC women's basketball game on Saturday afternoon.

The Lady Tigers wrap up the regular season with an 8-16 overall record and 8-8 in the SIAC. Claflin improves to 14-12 overall and 10-6 in the SIAC.

Ay'Anna Bey led the Lady Tigers with 21 points, while MiKeisha Moore added 15 points. Claflin had four players in double figures, led by Dominique Williams with 16 points. Ashley Fields (12 points, 13 rebounds) and Jhanice Stokes (12 points, 16 rebounds) each had a double. Claflin outrebounded Benedict 54-40 and had a 16-6 advantage in second-chance points.

Claflin jumped out to a 14-9 lead after the first quarter and had a 30-22 lead at the half. The Lady Tigers came out strong in the third quarter, with Moore and Ayanna Armstead opening the second half with 3-pointers. Benedict outscored Claflin 20-10 in the third quarter, went on an 11-2 run, and had as much as a six-point lead, 42-36. Claflin cut the lead to 42-40 at the end of the third quarter.

The fourth quarter stayed close, with Benedict tying the contest at 49 on a jumper by Bey with 4:52 left to play. Claflin scored the next five points and Benedict had five turnovers and went 1-for-8 on field goals in the final 4:52.

Benedict will begin play in the SAIC Tournament beginning Monday, Feb. 26. at the Crossplex in Birmingham, Ala. Benedict, the two-time SIAC champions, will likely be the fourth seed from the SIAC East and face the fifth seed from the SIAC West at 7:45 p.m. The SIAC will officially announce tournament pairings next week.