BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Benedict claimed the 2016 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Women’s Basketball Tournament title after defeating Kentucky State 74-52 in the championship game, Saturday evening at Bill Harris Arena in Birmingham, Ala.The win for the Tigers was a special one after falling in last year’s conference tournament championship game. One of Benedict’s two losses this season came at the hands of KSU, but the Tigers were determined to have a different outcome on Saturday.The Tigers, who are ranked 12th in the Women’s Basketball Division II Media Poll sponsored by D2SIDA, improved to 27-2 overall with the win.Terri Jacobs was named the 2016 SIAC Women’s Basketball Tournament MVP. Benedict’s James Rice was tabbed as the Jerry C. Johnson Tournament Coach.The turning point for Benedict was in the second quarter when it fueled a 17-4 run topped off with a 3-pointer by Regime McCombs to take a 28-14 lead. The Tigers led 33-22 at the half and they remained in control for the duration of the game.
KaDeeja Vaughn led all scorers with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Regime McCombs added 18 points for Benedict. Defensively the Tigers held a 44-23 advantage on the glass.
Kentucky State (24-4) was led by Logan Powell’s 12 points and five rebounds. Taylor Sanders finished with 11 points and a game-high four steals.
Benedict will represent the SIAC as the automatic qualifier for the 2016 NCAA Women’s Division II Basketball Tournament.
