COLUMBIA, S.C. --- The Allen University women's basketball team overcame a seven-point halftime deficit to take down rival Benedict in the "Battle for Taylor Street" Saturday, 76-72. 

The SIAC clash saw a competitive game throughout, with 11 total lead changes and three ties. In the first quarter, both Allen and Benedict exchanged made shots as seven different Yellow Jackets found the score book with Peighton Jambor, Kasey Smith, Eboni Clay, Taliah Wesley, Amoni Byrd, Morgan Smith, and JuJu Harrington all scoring in the first. After trailing by one point, 19-18, at the end of the first quarter, Allen saw the deficit they faced grow in the second quarter as Benedict took a 40-33 lead into the halftime break. However, the Yellow Jackets came out of the locker rooms with their offense recharged as Allen outscored Benedict, 22-16, in the third quarter and brought themselves back within one point of the Tigers' advantage, 56-55. The fourth began in a defensive battle as neither team scored in the first 2:30 of the quarter. Then with 7:28 remaining, Wesley connected on a layup to push Allen ahead, 57-56. The score marked Allen's first lead since 1:52 was left in the second, 33-32. After exchanging the lead over the next two minutes, Allen finally surged ahead permanently with 5:14 remaining on a Jambor jumpshot, 61-60. With nine seconds left, Allen held a three-point lead and to seal the victory, Nari Coe stole the possession away from Benedict and forced the Tigers to foul to end the game. 

Clay and Wesley co-lead the Yellow Jackets with 17 points each. Jambor joined them in double figures with 12 points on 4-for-6 shooting. Wesley also led Allen with six rebounds and five assists. On the defensive end, Coe notched three steals and four rebounds. 

Allen will be back in action on Tuesday, February 4 as they host Savannah State. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. inside John Hurst Adams Gymnasium.