COLUMBIA, S.C. – Claflin University went on a 12-0 run late in the second half to pull away from the Benedict Tigers and take a 70-64 victory in a non-conference men's basketball game on Wednesday night in the Benjamin E. Mays HRC Arena.
 
Benedict had a 51-49 lead with 8:15 left in the game after a pair of free throws by Caleb Hymon. The Panthers then scored the next 12 points for a 61-51 lead. The Tigers broke the scoring drought when Tariq Shepherd hit a 3-pointer with 3:42 on the clock to make it 61-54.
 
Benedict was able to cut the lead to 64-60 with 1:17 remaining, but Claflin scored on a quick dunk and hit four of six free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.
 
Claflin improves to 11-8 overall, while Benedict falls to 4-16 on the season.
 
The first half was close, with several lead changes and Claflin holding a 28-27 lead at the break. Benedict took as much as a five-point lead, 40-35, in the second half after a 3-pointer by Shepherd, and the game remained close until Claflin's big run to pull away.
 
Hymon led the Tigers with a season-high 21 points. Shepherd added 17 points, while Cadarius Baggett chipped in 13 points.
 
The Tigers return to action on Saturday, traveling across Taylor Street to take on rival Allen University at 3 p.m.