COLUMBIA, S.C. – A strong second half helped lead the Benedict College Tigers to an 87-74 victory over LeMoyne-Owen College on Monday night.

The Tigers improve to 4-5 overall, 1-1 in conference play. The Magicians fall to 1-3 overall, 1-1 in the conference.

Deon Joyner led Benedict with a season-high 27 points and 11 rebounds. Tajh Green added a season-high 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Joseph Staton contributed with 19 points and four assists.

LeMoyne-Owen came out strong early, taking a 13-6 lead five minutes into the first half. The Tigers would then go on a 17-4 run to take a 23-17 lead with 10 minutes remaining in the first half. Benedict would extend their lead to as much as 11, 36-25, before the Magicians battled back. In the final 3:46 of the first half, LeMoyne-Owen would go on a 12-4 run to close the gap to three points. Benedict had a 40-37 advantage at the half.

The Magicians would tie the game at 43-43 three minutes into the second half. Back-to-back three pointers by Green and Staton started a 17-8 run for the Tigers to make it 60-51 with nine minutes left in the half.

Benedict held the lead throughout the remaining nine minutes and would not allow LeMoyne-Owen to get closer, clinching their fourth victory of the season.

Benedict outscored Lemoyne-Owen 48-26 in the paint, which would end up being the deciding factor.

Benedict will travel to Allen University on Thursday at 7 p.m. for an exhibition contest against the Yellow Jackets.