COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Benedict College Tigers used a strong second half to beat Bluefield State University 84-69 on Saturday night.

The Tigers improve to 2-2 on the season, while the Big Blues fall to 2-2 overall.

Joseph Staton led the way for Benedict with 21 points and outstanding defense. Deon Joyner pitched in with 21 points and nine rebounds, while Tajh Green contributed with 16 points and nine rebounds.

The Tigers jumped out to an early 14-4 lead six minutes into the game. The Big Blues would fight back and outscore Benedict 34-19 to take a five point lead, 38-33, at the half.

Three Benedict Tigers scored in double figures during the second half, led by Staton who scored 15 of his 21 points in the second half. Deon Joyner scored 13 of his 21, while Tyrese Mapp scored 10 of his 12 points in the second half. After Benedict took a 54-50 lead with 10 minutes remaining, they went on a 21-6 run to pull away from Bluefield State. This would be enough for the Tigers to hold on and clinch the victory.

The Tigers were strong on the glass outscoring the Big Blues 22-7 in second-chance points. Their transition defense was even more outstanding, beating out Bluefield State 30-13 in points off turnovers.

Benedict will travel to Virginia Union University on Tuesday at 7 p.m.