COLUMBIA, S.C. — Lane College continued its strong early-season run on Friday afternoon, powering past Benedict College 73–59 at HRC Arena to improve to 6–1 overall and 5–1 in SIAC play.

After a back-and-forth opening quarter that ended tied 17–17, the Dragons seized control with a dominant second period. Lane outscored Benedict 19–6 in the frame, using defensive pressure and relentless rebounding to take a 36–23 lead into halftime. The Dragons never trailed in the contest.

Lane's size and activity on the glass were difference-makers all afternoon. The Dragons owned a 53–37 rebounding advantage, including 21 offensive boards, turning those into 19 second-chance points. Their defensive intensity also generated 15 steals and 23 points off turnovers.

Offensively, Lane showcased impressive balance:

• Europe Brown led the way with 14 points and 7 steals, pushing the tempo and finishing in transition.

• Dyani Bernstine stuffed the stat sheet with 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists, anchoring the offense while applying pressure defensively.

• Kamil Washum contributed 11 points and 5 assists, including key buckets early in the second half that extended Lane's lead.

• Kameria Piggee finished with 9 points and 11 rebounds, dominating the paint and providing crucial second-chance opportunities.

• Alexis Rowe added 8 points and 7 rebounds, while Ceriah Evans chipped in 7 points and 5 boards off the bench.

Lane opened the third quarter with six quick points and stretched the lead to as many as 18. Benedict's Alaysia Nash tried to keep the Tigers close, pouring in a game-high 28 points, but Lane's defensive depth and rebounding edge proved too much.

The Dragons maintained a double-digit cushion throughout the fourth quarter, closing the game with steady free-throw shooting and timely defensive stops.