COLUMBIA, S.C. --- Despite a season-best 19 points from Akhwari Smith, the Allen men's basketball team was defeated at Benedict Saturday afternoon, 65-61. 

A closely contested game throughout, Allen took the game's first lead as Peyton Weathersby sank a jump shot on the opening possession. After Benedict took a four-point lead, 10-6, the Yellow Jackets responded with three point shots from Mike Best and Ethan Hill to take a 12-10 advantage. Fast forward to the final two minutes of the first half, and Benedict scored the final four points of the first half to lead Allen at the half, 27-24. Later in the second half, with 14:08 remaining, Smith gave the Yellow Jackets a 39-37 lead on a fast break layup. Both teams exchanged the single-digit lead for the remaining of the game, but Allen was unable to overcome the Tigers and fell by four points. 

Smith finished with a game-high 19 points after shooting 5-for-10 from distance. Weathersby totaled 10 points and a team-leading eight rebounds in Saturday's effort. 

Allen hosts Morehouse on Monday, February 24 to begin their final two-game home stand of the season. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. inside John Hurst Adams Gymnasium.