FRANKFORT, Ky. - The Thorobreds (2-0, 2-0 SIAC) took on Benedict College (0-3, 0-1) in a post-Thanksgiving conference battle. After 40 hard-fought minutes, KSU came out victorious, defeating the Tigers 77-75.

It appeared the Thorobreds would coast to an easy victory, as they built a 24-point lead with 3:29 to play in the first half. At the half, KSU led 45-29 shooting 14-24 from the field and knocking down 13-15 shots from the free throw line.

The Tigers came out in the second half poised to make a comeback and with 7:23 remaining in the game, BC took the lead on a three-pointer by Anton Greer. KSU turned the ball over on their next possession and BC answered with a made jumper by Kennie Eberhart, pushing the Tigers' lead to four. With 5;18 to play, the Tigers were leading by six, but the Thorobreds kept fighting and tied the game with 3:34 remaining on two free throws by William Marsh.

The next three and a half minutes were filled with intensity and passionate play by both teams. With 32 seconds to play, Marsh went to the free throw line again, making the first of two shots, but he missed the second and BC's Cassius Bell grabbed the rebound. BC pushed the ball and with 23 seconds left to play, Xavier Collier hit a three-pointer, bringing the Tigers within one (71-70). BC fouled Marsh on the in-bounds play, but Marsh made good on both charity shots, putting the 'Breds up by three (73-70). The Tigers clawed back again, tying the game at 75 with nine seconds to play on a three-pointer by Antrjuan Albright. With five seconds remaining, KSU's Tony Johnson missed a jumper, but Kevin Smith got the rebound and put the ball back in as time expired, giving the 'Breds the 77-75 victory.

With the win KSU improves to 2-0 overall and 2-0 in the SIAC.

Benedict was led by Collier with 15 points, while Corey Garhigh added 12 points and five rebounds. Eberhart led the team with 10 rebounds (7 defensive).

The Thorobreds were paced by Johnson with a game-high 24 points, as he shot 6-12 from the field and 11-14 from the free throw line. Smith had a solid performance, clocking a double-double with 12 points and a game-high 11 rebounds and three steals. Patrick Dawson followed with 11 points.

As a team, KSU shot 48.9% from the field and 80.6% from the charity stripe.

Next up for the 'Breds is a home game against Paine College on Monday, November 29. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.