COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Claflin Panthers placed three players in double figures and out-rebounded the Benedict Tigers 44-26 to take a 73-64 non-conference victory on Thursday night in front of a full house in the Benjamin E. Mays HRC Arena.

The Tigers lost their fifth game in a row to fall to 3-18 on the season. Claflin, a former SIAC rival now competing as a member of the CIAA, improves to 8-12.

Freshman center Jasiah Perry led the Tigers with 12 points, reaching double figures for the third time in the past five games.

Austin Lawton led the Claflin Panthers with 19 points.

The Tigers stayed close the first half, as Claflin had a 35-32 lead at the break. Claflin had a 55-52 lead with 7:04 remaining when the Panthers pulled ahead with an 8-1 run to take a 10-point lead with 3:41 remaining.

Benedict returns to SIAC action on Saturday, hosting Paine College at 3 p.m.