Mt. Berry, Ga. - Berry's women's basketball team defeated Birmingham-Southern College 85-73 in an intense, and impressive, Southern Athletic Association matchup in the Cage Center Friday night. The Vikings add another mark in their win column, moving to 12-6 overall and 6-1 in the SAA. BC's winning streak also moves to five in a row with the win.

The Vikings offense came out on fire in the first half, poking holes in the Panther's defense. Berry was efficient with their shooting and did not back down throughout the half, making 73 percent of their shots from the field in the first quarter (11-of-15) and 78.6 percent in the second (11-of-14), a season high. The Vikings played fast and aggressive, overpowering BSC on both sides of the ball. Berry kept a consistent double-digit lead throughout both quarters thanks to McKenna Lentych. The junior led the Vikings with 10 points and seven rebounds in the opening 20 minutes.

Entering the third quarter, Berry continued to be smooth on offense, keeping BSC at arm's length. But as the fourth quarter progressed, the Panthers (10-7, 4-3 SAA) put together a 15-0 run and came within four points at 75-71. Sydney Blankenship however, made the most of her free throws putting the Vikings back in a comfortable position with one minute to go. With BSC applying pressure, Kish Chandler and Lentych sealed the deal with back-to-back baskets, giving Berry back the comfortable lead they had most of the way.

Lentych had an career game, racking up 22 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Vikings and set new career-best marks. Delaney Noe put up 15 points, and Kish Chandler behind her with 14 points and a career-best nine assists. The Vikings overall make 69.2 percent of their shots from the field (36-of-52), a program D-III record and the third-highest mark in all of Division III since women's basketball went to quarters.

Berry is back in action against Millsaps College on Sunday in the Cage Center at 1 p.m.