COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Benedict College Tigers stretched their winning streak to eight games with a 71-62 victory over Kentucky State University on Saturday afternoon in the Benjamin E. Mays HRC Arena.

Timothy Bing Jr. led the Tigers with 23 points, while Brandon Smith added 17 points. Malachi McCoy had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Tajh Green added 11 points.

The Tigers improve to 9-3 overall and 6-0 in the SIAC. Kentucky State falls to 4-5 overall and 2-2 in the SIAC.

Benedict built a 21-13 lead midway through the first half before the Thorobreds went on an 11-2 run for a 24-23 lead with 9:34 remaining in the first half. The rest of the first half stayed close with neither side leading by more than three points. The game was tied 37-37 at the half.

The Tigers scored the first six points of the second half, but Kentucky State rallied to tie the game at 48-48 with 13:58 left in the game. Benedict scored the next six points and never trailed again.

Benedict takes a break for the Christmas holiday and will return to action with a road game at Lane College on Jan. 5. The next home game is Jan. 8 against Edward Waters.