VALDOSTA, Ga. – The Benedict College Lady Tigers rallied from a 19-point deficit to defeat West Florida 80-74 in their season opener on Friday in the opening game of the Lady Blazers GSC/SIAC Basketball Challenge.

West Florida had a 38-19 lead with 2:57 left in the second quarter and had a 39-24 lead at the half. Benedict trailed 56-47 heading into the fourth quarter. The Lady Tigers outscored West Florida 33-18 in the final quarter.

Ay'Anna Bey led the Lady Tigers with 23 points. Wykira Johnson-Kelly added 13 points, and Ayanna Armstead chipped in with 12 points.

Benedict tied the game at 64 on a pair of free throws by Bey and took the lead, 66-64, on a layup by Kapri Williams. Jumpers by Bey and Johnson-Kelly continued the 11-0 run and gave Benedict a 70-64 lead with 2:27 left in the game. Benedict then scored their final 10 points from the free-throw line to seal the win.

The Lady Tigers are back in action on Saturday to play tournament host and 15^th-ranked Valdosta State at 4 p.m.