COLUMBIA, S.C.- Zyere Edwards came off the bench to score 16 points in Savannah State's 60-54 loss to Benedict on Wednesday night at the HRC Arena.

The setback was the Tigers seventh in eight games this season.

Edwards played 25 minutes and ended the contest with four assists and three rebounds. The 5-foot-10 junior guard made three 3-pointers and went 3-for-4 from the free throw line.

Savannah State led by two at halftime but were outscored by eight in the second period.

The Tigers jumped out to a 7-2 advantage, getting baskets from Jordan Mikell (layup), Michael Swift (3-pointer) and James Leach (tip in).

Another tip in by Leach gave SSU a 21-15 lead with 3:45 on the clock before Benedict closed the half with a 6-2 run to get within 23-21.

Benedict opened the second half with a layup and a 3-pointer for a 26-23 lead but Javonte Landy scored the next five points for the Tigers for a 28-26 lead.

The game remained close but Benedict was able to pull ahead by eight with 5:29 showing on the clock.

Down by six with just under two minutes left, Mikell hit a free throw and Leach had a dunk to cut Benedict's lead to 57-54.

However, Benedict scored the final three points to earn the win.

The Tigers shot 50 percent from the field in the second period but 38.5 percent for the game.

SSU made 10-of-13 shots from the free throw line while Benedict was 17-for-26.

Mikell had nine points for the Tigers, Leach added eight points, seven rebounds and three blocks while Landy ended the night with seven points, three rebounds and three assists.

Swift and Braylon Jackson scored three points apiece while Zion Davis, Chancellor Wilson, Kelvin Cochran and Ladarrius Chigano all scored two points. Brandon Johnson failed to scored but pulled down five rebounds.

Savannah State (6-8, 6-6 SIAC) will travel to Edward Waters on January 18 for a 4 p.m. game.

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