ATLANTA, Ga. - Viking Men's Basketball traveled to Atlanta to face a Preseason Top 10 opponent in Emory University in what was a battle from start to finish, ending in a 91-71 defeat for Berry.  

After a slow start in their season opener, the Vikings came out with grit and determination against the Eagles. A smooth pull-up jump shot from Parker Godwin over the outstretched hand of a defender ignited the Berry offense. A stellar first half from senior forward Jacob Morgan helped propel the Vikings to a 15-3 run, just five minutes into the game. Berry enjoyed a 25-12 lead before the Eagles responded with a 13-4 run of their own. 

The Vikings and Eagles began to trade baskets as the first half rolled on. Senior Braxton Benham drove the baseline and finished at the rim to extend the lead back to 8, 33-25.  

Unselfish play on both sides would be the theme late in the first half before an and-one dunk for Emory cut the Berry lead to two and swayed the momentum of the game with 2:52 to play in the first-half. A few plays later, Cameron Pope found Jacob Morgan for a three-pointer that gave the Vikings some breathing room, 42-38. The two teams continued to go back and forth and ended the half all tied up at 44.  

In the second half, Berry continued to battle despite hot shooting from the Eagles. Emory stormed out to a ten-point lead with just over twelve minutes to play. The Vikings got their offense going again when Braxton Benham sliced the Emory zone with a beautiful pass to freshman Evan Montgomery who finished with a reverse layup. Then, Benham filled up the net with a three-point shot courtesy of an Isaac Martin dish to cut the lead to four, 67-63, with ten minutes to play.

Four points is as close as the Vikings would come, as Emory found a groove and consumed the final minutes, using their size advantage down the stretch to seal the game, 91-71. 

Berry had four performers who reached double figures to pace their scoring effort. Jacob Morgan led the way with 22 points and 7 rebounds. Second in scoring was Braxton Benham who was everywhere for the Vikings. He finished with 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists. Rounding out the double-figure scorers were Isaac Martin who had 11 and Brandon Stoudamire who has 10.  

The Vikings will compete again at home for the first time this season against LaGrange College on November 12 at 7 PM ET.