Opening Night Statement: Benedict Pulls Away From Paine, 86-60

COLUMBIA, S.C. — No band Monday night, but HRC Arena didn’t need one. The crowd was into it from the jump, and from where I stood on the baseline, you could feel opening night in the building. By the final horn, Benedict basketball had turned a back-and-forth first half into an 86-60 statement win over Paine to start the season 1-0.

Benedict Basketball Trades Punches Early

At first, this one didn’t look like a blowout. Paine came out firing from deep, hitting 6 of 9 threes in the first half, and the two teams traded the lead 10 times. In fact, Paine was up 28-27 late in the half.

Then the Tigers flipped the switch.

The 11-0 Run

Benedict ripped off an 11-0 run to go up 38-28 and took a 42-34 lead into the locker room. Suddenly, the defense picked up, the hands got active, and the Tigers started getting out in transition.

Then they came out of halftime the same way, scoring the first 7 points of the second half to stretch the lead to 49-34. After that, it was all Benedict. The Tigers outscored Paine 44-26 after the break.

Gates Set the Tone

Junior guard Dayvon Gates stood out to me all night. Above all, he was efficient and in control, scoring 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting with 5 rebounds and 3 assists.

Bailey, Chavis and the Supporting Cast

I photographed Langston Bailey back in his high school days in Riverdale, Md., so it was good to see the junior guard make himself at home. Meanwhile, he scored 14 points, went a perfect 6 of 6 from the line and added 2 steals.

Meanwhile, junior Malachi Chavis also brought energy off the bench with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals. Junior forward Lucca Reinehr was 4 of 5 from the field with 9 points and 7 rebounds, and 6-7 junior guard Greg Spate hit 3 of 4 from deep for 9 points.

Benedict Basketball Turns Defense Into Offense

In short, the numbers tell the story: 12 steals, 25 points off turnovers, 20 fast-break points and 42 points in the paint. As a result, Benedict basketball shot 53.7% from the field and held Paine to 32% in the second half.

Benedict Basketball Back at It Friday

For now, it’s one down. Benedict is back at HRC Arena on Friday, Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. to host Coker. If Monday was any sign, bring your voice. Catch up on the Tigers’ football run in our Benedict football recap.

Player of the Game

G Dayvon Gates (#4). The junior from Carson, Calif., scored 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting, with 5 rebounds and 3 assists.