Towson 81, N.C.-Wilmington 68

Feb 4, 2013, 09:32 pm

TOWSON, Md. -- Jerrelle Benimon scored 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead Towson to an 81-68 victory over UNC Wilmington in a Colonial Athletic Association game Monday night.

The junior forward made 8 of 10 shots and earned his 16th double-double this season, the most in the nation.

Jerome Hairston added 18 points for the Tigers (12-12, 7-4), who also defeated UNC Wilmington 79-74 on Jan. 2.

The Seahawks (8-14, 3-7) took their final lead, 27-25, with 4:22 left in the first half, but the Tigers outscored them 17-5 until halftime for a 42-32 lead. A 3-pointer by Hairston began that run, and Benimon followed with a layup and a three-point play.

UNC Wilmington got to within six, 54-48, with 12:45 left, but Towson ran off the next 11 points and led comfortably after that.

The Seahawks' Keith Rendleman had 19 points and 12 rebounds for his 12th double-double this season.