AUGUSTA, Ga. – The 15th-ranked Benedict College Lady Tigers outscored Paine College 25-9 in the third quarter to help lead them past the Lady Lions, 71-55, on Tuesday night in a SIAC women's basketball game..

Benedict closed out the regular season with a 24-3 overall record and 15-2 in the SIAC. Paine falls to 7-17 overall and 6-11 in the SIAC.

Ay'Anna Bey led the Lady Tigers with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Shanassia White also recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Benedict jumped out to a 12-2 lead off a three-pointer by Mahogany Randall halfway through the first quarter. Paine cut the lead to six, 18-12, at the end of the first period. The Lady Lions continued to battle back, closing the gap to 31-30 heading into halftime.

After Paine scored back-to-back buckets to begin the second half, the Lady Tigers outscored the Lions 25-5 over the rest of the third quarter to take a 56-39 lead. Benedict would hold on in the fourth to secure their 24^th win of the season.

Benedict will compete in the SIAC Basketball Tournament next week at the Rock Hill Sports & Events Center in Rock Hill, S.C. The Lady Tigers have secured the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Division, and will have a bye until the quarterfinals at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Benedict will face the winner between Monday's opening-round contest between the No. 5 seed in the East vs. the No. 4 seed in the West.