COLUMBIA, S.C. – A 46-33 rebound margin turned out to be the difference as the Benedict College Lady Tigers defeated Albany State University, 72-63, on Monday night in a SIAC women's basketball game in the HRC Arena..

Benedict improves to 16-2 overall with its 11th straight win and 8-1 in the SIAC. Albany State falls to 3-14 overall and 1-8 in the SIAC.

Ay'Anna Bey led the way for the Lady Tigers with 17 points and 16 rebounds, knocking down 7-of-9 free throws. Wykira Johnson-Kelly added 20 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while Ayanna Armstead contributed with 13 points and four rebounds.

There were a total of eight lead changes in the first quarter with Albany State holding a 16-12 lead heading into the second quarter. A 17-5 run by the Lady Tigers in the first six minutes of the quarter gave Benedict a 29-21 lead. The Lady Tigers would extend their lead to as much as 11 with 2:22 remaining until the break. A 9-3 run by Albany State in the final two minutes narrowed the gap to 38-35 heading into halftime.

Benedict extended their lead back to double digits off a layup by Bey halfway through the third quarter. Albany State outscored the Lady Tigers 10-5 in the final five minutes of the quarter to decrease the margin to 51-46 heading into the fourth quarter.

Defense was key for both teams to begin the fourth, as they shot a combined 0-for-12 before Camryn Bostick knocked down a three-pointer with 5:20 left in the game. A 3-pointer by Shanassia White extended Benedict's lead to a game high 13 points with 1:45 left in the game. The Lady Tigers held on to secure the victory off eight points by Johnson-Kelly in the final minute of the game.

Once again, Benedict's bench outscored the opponent by a large margin, 46-6. The Lady Tigers also outscored Albany State 30-16 in the paint on Monday night.

Benedict will host rival Claflin University in a non-conference showdown on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the HRC Arena. The Lady Tigers have lost their last three meetings with the Lady Panthers.