Tim Miles scored a game high 24 points, but it was not enough as Rust College defeated Miles and his Berry teammates 80-74 in the first game of the Black Tie Tournament, hosted by Birmingham-Southern College, Friday.

Miles, who scored 18 of his 26 points in Berry's season-opening victory over Truett-McConnell this past Tuesday in the first half, scored 20 in the first 20 minutes against Rust Friday.  He also hauled down a team-best 12 rebounds.

"Tim had a great game on the offensive end," Berry head coach Jeff Haarlow said.  "Jonathan Abrams really gave us a big boost when we needed some energy, too."

Abrams finished with 13 points for Berry (1-1), and was joined in double figures by Cass LeBlanc, who chipped in 12.  Point guard Kendall Gadie added nine points and dished out six assists for the Vikings.

The Vikings were held to 36 percent shooting from the field, including 32 percent (8-for-25) from three-point territory.

Markeith Wilson led Rust with 16 points, while William Montgomery scored 14 and Fabian McPherson added 11.

The Vikings will play the loser of the Birmingham-Southern vs. University of the Ozarks game that followed the Vikings' contest against Rust.  Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. (Eastern).

- BerryVikings.com -