ROME, Ga. -- Owen Jacobs had 21 points and a game-high 16 rebounds, but Berry lost to Covenant, 71-65, on Friday night. The game was the season-opener for both teams.

Jacobs, a sophomore transfer, was 8-14 from the field in his Berry debut. Hunter Smoak added 15 points and and nine rebounds for the home team. Lee McCloud contributed 14 and dished seven assists for the Vikings. 

"I was really proud of our effort as we battled hard for 40 minutes," said first-year Head Coach Jeff Rogers. "We're in a tough situation with injuries. We knew we only had eight guys tonight, so we wanted to be big in heart, since we're small in numbers."

Covenant held a 33-25 lead at halftime. The Scots scored the first four points of the second half and held their biggest lead, 39-25, with 17:19 remaining. The Vikings, however, went on 17-3 run and tied the game on a layup by Jacobs with 11:56 on the clock.

The Vikings tied the game once more at 50 after Jacobs made two free throws. With 2:17 remaining, McCloud hit a jumper to trim the margin to 62-60, but BC got no closer.

Covenant's Colton McGriff notched a game-best 22 points. Nate Frierson and Micah Turner both collected 10 for the Scots.

The Scots held a slight rebounding advantage, 49-48. Both clubs struggled from the field. BC shot 34-percent (21-62) and the Scots were 21-59 (36-percent). 

Berry hosts Huntingdon on Saturday at 6 p.m.