COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Benedict Tigers stretched their winning streak to seven games, scoring a season-high 107 points, as they easily defeated Central State University 107-70 on Thursday in the Benjamin E. Mays HRC Arena.

Benedict placed five players in double figures, with Tyrese Mapp leading the way with 18 points, while Brandon Smith scored 17 points, hitting four 3-pointers. Marshaun West scored 16 points, while Timothy Bing Jr. added 15 points and Tajh Green chipped in 12 points.

The Tigers shot a season-best 62.9 percent from the field, scoring 60 points in the paint and out-rebounding the Marauders 50-25.

Benedict improves to 8-3 overall and 5-0 in the SIAC. Central State, which played the game with just eight players, fell to 3-5 overall and 1-3 in the SIAC.

Central State opened the game with a 7-2 lead, but Benedict went on a 10-0 run and never looked back. The Tigers had a 26-22 lead before going on a 13-0 run to open up a 17-point lead. Benedict had a 53-36 lead at the half. Benedict pushed the lead to 30 points, 68-38, early in the second half and had as much as a 40-point lead, 105-65.

The Tigers return to action on Saturday with a 3 p.m. home contest against Kentucky State.

Benedict will be offering free Covid-19 vaccinations, including booster shots, at the arena on Saturday.