COLUMBIA, S.C. –  An all-around solid performance by the Benedict College Tigers helped to defeat Clark Atlanta University, 83-70, on Saturday afternoon in a SIAC men's basketball game in the HRC Arena.

Benedict improves to 9-12 and 5-6 in the SIAC. Clark Atlanta falls to 7-13 and 7-5 in the SIAC.

Deon Joyner led the Tigers with 17 points and eight rebounds. Romello Jones added 15 points and six rebounds on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting from beyond the 3-point line. Joseph Staton contributed with 13 points, four rebounds, and four assists.

Benedict started the game on a 7-0 run, capped off by a 3-point field goal from Jones. The Tigers extended their lead to as much as nine points, 14-5, with 13:40 left in the first half. After Clark Atlanta closed the gap to one, the Tigers went on a 7-0 run to extend their lead back to eight with 6:29 remaining until the break. A 17-6 run gave the Panthers a 36-34 advantage heading into halftime.

Benedict found momentum to begin the second half, outscoring Clark Atlanta 17-10 to take a 53-46 lead with 12:56 left in the game. After the Panthers closed the gap to one, the Tigers went on a 13-0 run to take their largest lead of the game, 70-56, with 4:13 remaining. Benedict held on for an 83-70 victory.

The Tigers held a 38-16 advantage in points scored in the paint, as well as a 24-13 bench point advantage.

Benedict will host Fort Valley State University on Monday night at 7:30 p.m. inside the HRC Arena.