HANOVER, Ind. - Vikings Men's Basketball opened up their season on the road in Hanover, Indiana, where they fell by a score of 86-72.  

The Vikings faced a tall task as they faced a Hanover team that has gone 79-14 at home over the past seven years, equating to a win percentage of 85% on their home floor since 2017.  

Berry fell behind early as the Panthers raced out to a 7-1 lead. Berry did not waver, as an Issac Martin three-pointer, a Braxton Benham layup, and a Drew Winegarden three-pointer drew things even at 9-9 with 14:41 to play in the first half.  

A 14-0 run by Hanover midway through the first half would be the story of the first period. The Vikings stayed within striking distance thanks to three-pointers from Parker Godwin, Braxton Benham, and Drew Winegarden as the half winded down. The Vikings were able to cut the lead to 13, as they trailed 41-28 at the end of the half. 

A balanced effort for the Vikings in the opening minutes of the second half brought Berry within five points, 49-44. With 13:33 to play, Ryan Luttrell set up Isaac Martin who hit a big three-pointer to cut the lead to just four points, 51-47.  

Despite a valiant effort as the second half rolled on, the Vikings were unable to get over the hump, as Hanover controlled the final ten minutes of the game, winning it 86-72.  

The Vikings were paced by their senior leader, Braxton Benham, who had 22 points, 7 assists, and four rebounds. Other stand-out performers from the game included Drew Winegarden who pitched in 14 points. Parker Godwin and Jacob Morgan also netted 13 points each.  

Godwin's performance was one of his best as a Viking, setting his career-high in points with 13 and a career-high in made threes with three for the game.  

Catch the Vikings in action on the road again on Sunday against Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, on November 10 at 4 PM ET.