COLUMBIA -- The Benedict Tigers found a good way to deliver good luck wishes to its 12 seniors on Senior Day: a victory.

The homestanding Tigers had their hands full for a while with the Lane College Dragons before pulling away for a 20-13 victory.

The first quarter was plagued with turnovers, with the Benedict offense throwing an interception three plays into the first drive of the game. The Tigers regained possession after recovering a Lane fumble on the ensuing drive.

Then the visitors got on the scoreboard first, completing a 20-yard end zone reception with 6:53 to go in the first quarter. A failed two-point conversion gave Lane a 6-0 lead.

Lane added to its lead with 13:44 to go in the second half. A 37-yard drive ended in a 3-yard touchdown, stretching the lead to 13-0. Then Benedict would fight off another Lane red zone drive, forcing an interception on the 5-yard line.

On the very next play Benedict QB Pat Riley connected with WR Corey Gardhigh for a 75-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the Lane lead to 13-6.

Benedict would continue to dominate the second quarter, evening the score with 4:10 to go. Riley connected with WR Kareem Dunlap for a 37-yard touchdown reception, leaving the score tied at 13-all at halftime.

The Tigers came out roaring in the second half, taking their first lead of the game with 3:37 to go in the third quarter. Riley broke free on the keeper for a 30-yard touchdown run, putting Benedict ahead 20-13. The Tiger defense dominated the rest of the game, holding Lane scoreless for the entire second half.

With the 20-15 win over Lane, the Tigers improved to a conference record of 2-3.

The Tigers will be back in action next Saturday at Kentucky State University.

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