BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Benedict College Lady Tigers had their two-year reign as SIAC Champions come to an end as Central State University defeated Benedict 78-56 in the women's basketball tournament quarterfinals on Wednesday night in the Bill Harris Arena.

This will be the first time in head coach James Rice's six seasons that he has not guided the Lady Tigers to an appearance in the tournament championship game, winning three times in that span. Benedict ends the season at 10-17. Central State, now 22-5, moves to the semifinals to face either Kentucky State or Albany State on Friday. Kentucky State and Albany State play Thursday evening.

Benedict shot just 30.9 percent (17-of-55) in the contest, while Central State shot 50 percent (25-of-50). Benedict also committed 32 turnovers, which the Lady Marauders capitalized for 29 points off turnovers.

Central State jumped out to an early 10-2 lead and never trailed after that. The Lady Marauders expanded the lead to 18, 32-14, with 3:13 to play in the second quarter and had a 36-22 lead at the half. The lead grew to as much as 22 points in the third quarter and the Lady Marauders led 57-39 heading into the fourth quarter. Benedict couldn't get the lead under 15 points in the fourth quarter.

Ay'Anna Bey and JaBree Jones led Benedict with 12 points each. Sierra Harley led CSU with 18 points, while Falon Edwards added 17.