ORANGEBURG, S.C. – Bethune-Cookman erased a 24-point deficit to force a late tie, but South Carolina State posted a 71-66 victory Monday night in the Wildcats' Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference opener.

The Wildcats (3-7 overall, 0-1 MEAC),  trailed 43-19 with 18:02 remaining, but used a strong second half shooting effort from Clemmye Owens and nine points from Delino Dear to work their way back into contention.

Ricky Johnson's lay-up with 2:22 remaining tied it at 62-62.

Edward Stephens' three-pointer – the only South Carolina State field goal in the final 12 minutes -- helped the Bulldogs (3-5,2-0) regain the lead, then two Jalen White free throws pushed the Bulldog lead to five.

The Wildcats got as close as 67-64 on two Quintin Brewer free throws with 40 seconds to play and a Tony Kynard lay-up with 22 seconds left that made it 69-66, but could come no closer.

Owens led Bethune-Cookman with 21 points, while Brewer posted his third double-double of the season with 15 points and 12 boards. Mikel Trapp added 11.

B-CU shot just 24 percent from the field in the first half and trailed 37-17 at intermission.

Stephens led the Bulldogs with 26 points.

The Wildcats return to action next Monday at Grand Canyon.