COLUMBIA, S.C. – Claflin University used an 11-2 run to end the first quarter to take a seven-point lead and led the rest of the way to take an 89-75 victory over Benedict in a non-conference women's basketball game on Wednesday night in the Benjmain E. Mays HRC Arena.
 
Claflin built as much as a 17-point lead, 46-29, early in the third quarter, and a 59-49 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Lady Panthers had a 66-52 lead with 7:35 remaining in the game before the Lady Tigers scored the next eight points to make it a six-point game, 66-60, with 6:29 left to play. Claflin hit back-to-back 3-pointers and held on for the victory.
 
Claflin improves to 9-7 overall, while Benedict falls to 7-11.
 
Aaliyah Lawrence led the Lady Tigers with 11 points, while Ciara Hardy and Aniyah Scales chipped in with nine points each.
 
Benedict shot 36 percent from the floor (27-of-75), while Claflin connected on 55 percent of their shots (32-of-58).
 
The Lady Tigers are back in action on Saturday, playing another rivalry game when they travel across Taylor Street to take on Allen University at 1 p.m.