Tyler Singleton had 19 points as Clark Atlanta won their third game in a row in defeating Benedict 70-65 Monday at L.S. Epps Gymnasium.

The win leaves the Panthers (10-13, 10-5 SIAC) just one game behind Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference East Division leaders Albany State, who are 10-4 in conference play.   The Panthers are also ahead of third-place Morehouse who is 7-6 in the SIAC.  Benedict, in fifth place, fell to 11-13 overall, 7-8 in the SIAC.

Monday, the game was tight in the first half as the lead went back and forth early.  The Panthers went on a 9-0 run over three minutes in the first half to go up 18-10 after Singleton's 3-pointer with 12:59 left before the half.

Benedict went on their own run, outscoring CAU 11-2 to take the lead at 21-20 with 9:26 left in the half.  Javonte Sterling's jumper gave CAU a 27-26 lead with 3:58 left before the break.  It turned out to be a lead that the Panthers would not relinquish.

After leading 31-30 at halftime, Clark Atlanta got the lead up to 12 points over the first seven minutes of the second half on the strength of baskets by Romaine Thomas, Shannon Smith and Singleton to go up 44-32 with 13:13 remaining.

Smith's 3-pointer with 4:42 left got the lead up to 18 points as CAU led 59-41 and was in control the rest of the way.

Singleton finished with 19 points, five rebounds and two blocks, while Thomas had 16 points, ten rebounds, two steals and an assist.  Maximo Guillermo finished with eight points and six rebounds, Sterling had eight points and four boards, and had Smith added seven points.

Anthony Gomes and Deon Joyner both had 13 points to lead Benedict, with Nyquan McCombs adding 11.

The Panthers are next on the court Saturday, Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. when they host Atlanta University Center rival Morehouse at 2 p.m. in L.S. Epps Gymnasium.  CAU students with tickets will be admitted free while general admission tickets are $15.