Benedict bests Lady Bears
Box Score
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The Miles women's basketball team, which was eliminated by Benedict in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tournament semifinals last season, had already had one opportunity to avenge the defeat this season but dropped a lopsided result against the Lady Tigers in November.
The Lady Golden Bears had hoped that a return to the venue where they came up just short against the eventual league champs could be the spark that would turn the tide in this series that has belonged solely to Benedict over the last several years. But a 15-point deficit after the first quarter left Miles in another tough position and ultimately, the Lady Tigers would win once again - this time 84-70 - in the Lady Bears SIACÂ opener Monday night at Bill Harris Arena.
Alexis Jones had 16 points and seven rebounds off the bench for Miles (4-7, 0-1 SIAC), which dropped its fourth straight decision. The Lady Bears held a 54-40 advantage on the boards and shot a near-flawless 33-of-37 from the free throw line. But Benedict (7-7, 3-1) held Miles to 30 percent shooting from the field (18-of-60) and forced a whopping 31 turnovers that led to 32 points to earn the victory.
Miles held an early 6-2 lead but Benedict would score 13 consecutive points as Miles went nearly five minutes without a basket. Miles would get the deficit into single digits by halftime but another spurt of tough shooting and costly turnovers led to a ton of fastbreak layups for the Lady Tigers, who won going away.
Five players scored in double figures for Benedict, led by MiKeisha Moore's 18 points and Simone Roberts, who had 17 points, six rebounds and five steals.
Ashley McCrear had 13 points and nine rebounds and
Larian Scott added 10 points, four rebounds and three assists for Miles, which hosts Claflin Wednesday at Bill Harris Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.Â
