The Berry College Vikings lost to the Emory University Eagles 72-91 in the first round of the NCAA tournament Friday night.

 

Berry played a strong game and kept the score close all night. Caleb Johnson led the Vikings with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Forward Elijah Hirsh contributed with a double-double on the box score, with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

 

BACK-TO-BACK: Senior Alton McCloud drains back-to-back threes to push the Vikings into an early lead in the second half. Picture by: Blake Childers

The Vikings took an early lead in the second half after back-to-back threes from senior Alton McCloud. However, Emory recovered the lead and was sparked all night by guard Romin Williams. Emory put up a clinic with three pointers led by Williams, who chipped in 25 points, which resulted in a victory for the Eagles.

 

After the game, senior Caleb Johnson praised his team’s efforts.

 

“There is nothing to hang our heads about,” Johnson said. “We played hard and gave it our best shot. There is a lot to look forward to for the future of this program.”

 

This is the first time Berry’s men’s basketball has made it to the NCAA tournament in program history. Although the Viking’s historic season ended, Head Coach Jeff Rogers is hopeful for the program’s future.

 

“I am glad that our players could gain this experience,” Rogers said. “That is one of the most important things when it comes to postseason play.”