COLUMBIA, S.C. – Mars Hill College hit three of four free throws in the final 16 seconds and Benedict struggled from 3-point range as the Lions defeated the Tigers 56-54 in a non-conference men's basketball game on Friday night in the Benjamin E. Mays HRC Arena.
 
Benedict hit just one of 15 3-point attempts in the game, coming in the first half by Caleb Hymon. Parker Grant led the Tigers with 19 points, while Tariq Shepherd added 12 points.
 
The game was close throughout the contest. Mars Hill had their largest lead, 8-2, early in the game. Benedict took a 13-10 lead on Hymon's 3-pointer, for their largest lead in the first half. The game was tied at 26 at the half.
 
The game remained close in the second half. Both teams took a three-point lead in the second half. There were 10 lead changes throughout the game.
 
A layup by Shephard cut the lead to 52-51 with 37 seconds left in the game. Mars Hill hit four-of-six free throws down the stretch to win their season-opener.
 
The Tigers, now 0-3 on the season, travel to take on Tuskegee in their SIAC opener on Nov. 19. The next home contest will be Nov. 26 at 7 p.m. against Augusta.