By MacKenzie Tuttle, Digital Content Supervisor

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Nia Smith scored a career-high 28 points, as the Berry College women's basketball team held on to defeat Birmingham-Southern College 62-56 on Friday night.

Berry led 26-19 at the half after one of the best defensive quarters of the season. The Vikings held the Panthers to just eight points in the second period, outscoring their SAA-rival by 11. BSC rallied in the third, as Berry found themselves behind 37-36 going into the final quarter of play. The Vikings then scored 26 points in the fourth quarter to secure their second Southern Athletic Association victory of the year, pushing their record to 7-9 overall and 2-4 in league play.

Smith's 28 point performance led all scorers in the outing, with 15 of her points coming in the final 10 minutes of play. 

The Vikings were able to limit mistakes and capitalize on opportunities late in the game. Berry turned the ball over just 15 times and made 13-of-14 free throws in the fourth quarter to seal the win.

BERRY STANDOUTS:

• Nia Smith: 28 PTS, 7-for-15 FG, 3-for-7 3PT, 11-for-12 FT, 6 REB
• Eveline Parsons: 12 PTS, 3-for-11 FG, 2-for-5 3PT, 4-for-4 FT, 4 REB, 3 AST
• Casey Brooks: 9 PTS, 3-for-9 FG, 1-for-3 3PT, 2-for-2 FT, 5 REB

BIRMINGHAM-SOUTHERN STANDOUTS: 

• Christina McGowan: 14 PTS, 5-for-13 FG, 4-for-10 3PT
• Emilee Olsen: 9 PTS, 2-for-9 FG, 5-for-5 FT, 11 REB
• Elizabeth Philpot: 9 PTS, 2-for-9 FG, 1-for-2 3PT, 4-for-8 FT, 13 REB

NOTABLES:

• With the win, Berry improves to 7-9 overall on the year and 2-4 in the SAA. 
• Birmingham-Southern falls to 9-8 and 3-3. 
• Over their last six games, Berry has turned the ball over an average of 15.16 times per game, well under their season average. 

UP NEXT:

The Vikings will travel to Jackson, Miss., for their next SAA matchup against Millsaps College on Sunday, Jan. 21 at 2:00 p.m.