ROME, Ga. - Brittany Coughlan scored a season high 27 points to lead Berry College to a 68-66 victory over Rust College at the Cage Center Friday.

Berry trailed 32-29 at halftime, but after the Lady Bearcats scored the first two points of the second half went on an extended run that gave the Lady Vikings a 59-47 advantage. 

Rust would chip away at Berry's lead, though, eventually tying the score on a jumper by Telicia Gayden with 2:45 left to play that made the score 65-65, and then taking a 66-65 lead on a Gayden's free throw 29 seconds later. 

But Berry would clamp down on defense the rest of the way,holding Rust scoreless for the remainder of the game. 

Meanwhile, Holly Compton scored on a layup with about two minutes remaining to allow Berry to regain the lead, and Alexa Evans hit a free throw at the 1:26 mark to give Berry its final margin of victory. 

Rust had one more chance at victory, but Ciara Johnson's three-point attempt at the buzzer was wide, assuring Berry of the victory.

Couglan's 27 points was the most by a Lady Viking this season.  She also grabbed a team high seven rebounds for Berry.  Coughlan was joined in double figures in the scoring column by Compton, who added a personal season high 19 points.

Jessica Swanigan led Rust with 13 points.

Berry returns to action Monday against Shorter at the Cage Center. 

- BerryVikings.com -