MOUNT BERRY, Ga.- Berry Women's basketball (8-6 overall, 2-1 SAA) used a second half surge to take down SAA opponent Hendrix (2-12 overall, 0-3 SAA), 72-68.
Sarah Wright's 15-points and late three's boosted the team to a late comeback win in today's match-up.
Hendrix started strong with the first five points of the first, one being a three that sparked the first of seven in the first half for the Warriors. It was not until the 5:28 mark that Berry gained their first lead backed by a Jeryn Jarrett layup (6-5). That lead was lost the next possession, but Sylvia Kahoro's four-point turnaround for the Vikings gained the advantage back at 10-9.
Two three's from Hendrix left the Vikings down with a minute to go in the first, but Wright's quick jumper closed the game to one possession as both teams looked to battle in the second quarter (16-14).
Each team opened the second with points, but consecutive three's from the Warriors held off Berry at 24-16.
The Vikings tried to cut the lead by amping up their defensive effort and guarding the three-point line more tightly. Bringing it within three with a minute left in the first half things were starting to look up for Berry, but to close the second another Warriors three created separation with the score at halftime being 37-33, Hendrix.
After a 21-3 game from behind the arc in the first half, Coach Thomas Johnson rallied his team for a second half comeback to secure an SAA win. He stated that he was "extremely proud of his team in their effort defensively in the second half. They never hung their heads or thought we were out of the game. Their fight shows their true character and I am blessed to be a part of this team."
It would not take long for the Vikings to tie the game at 39 to start the second half with a made free-throws from Ellie Gearing and Elly Callihan. Hendrix's energy was unfazed as they went up by six, 51-45, under the halfway point of the third.
Wright nailed her second three for the game to worry the Warriors as the game stood within reach for the Vikings (53-50). One free-throw sent Berry down four as the fourth quarter approached.
Having played tough competition all season, the Vikings grit showed across the next ten minutes. It was again Wright from behind the line after a tough Hendrix turnover who nailed a triple and took a much needed lead for Berry (58-56).
With the shift in momentum, the Vikings held off the Warriors and a late three from Kahoro sealed the deal despite a late effort from Hendrix. Knocking down five final free-throws Berry earned this Southern Athletic Association win.
The Vikings will be back in action on the road on Friday at Centre College. Game time set for 6:00 PM ET.