DEMOREST, Ga. – Mac Whalen scored a game-high 24 points, but Berry College's rally came up short, 87-85, on Sunday. Whalen was 7-16 from the field and made 7-9 free throws.

The Lions snapped BC's three-game winning streak. Berry fell to 3-2 on the season and Piedmont improved to 4-1.

"I was proud of the way our players fought hard for 40 minutes," said Head Coach Jeff Rogers.  "On a night when we didn't play particularly well, we did play hard enough to give ourselves a chance to win the game."

Berry, however, led 16-8 early after two free throws from Owen Jacobs (19 points) with 14:19 left in the first half. The Lions then went on a 13-0 run and held 21-16 edge with 9:43 on the clock.

Piedmont pushed the advantage to 15 points before BC closed the half on a 15-6 run. The Lions led 45-39 at halftime.

The Vikings trailed by as many as nine points in the second half. A three-pointer by Whalen made the score 72-71 with 5:56 left. Hunter Smoak (13 points) drained a three-pointer to tie the score at 79 with 2:29 left in regulation.

The Vikes knotted the game at 81, 83 and 85, but never could take the lead. Piedmont made its last eight free throws en route to the victory.

Berry led in rebounds, 42-35. Lake Graham posted a double-double with 12 points and a game-best 15 rebounds.

Jessie Jenkins led the home team with 19 points.

The Vikings open Southern Athletic Association play on Thursday night when Oglethorpe visits the Cage Center.