By Matthew D. Stokes, BerryVikings.com Lead Writer

ROME, Ga. – Fueled by a huge second half, Berry women's basketball team defeated Southern Athletic Association opponent Oglethorpe, 74-48, in a Saturday evening meeting at the Cage Center. Mel McLean had a career-high 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Vikings.

Berry--after its fourth straight win--upped its record to 8-6 and 3-1 in SAA matchups. Oglethorpe dropped to 3-12 and 1-3.

After scoring the first six points of the game, Berry turned a 6-2 lead into a 13-point advantage with a 14-5 run. Oglethorpe turned the tables and went on a 17-4 run to tie things up, 24-24, with 3:42 remaining. Berry would leave the court at halftime trailing, 31-30.

After the intermission, the game remained within single digits with as much time left as 11:42. Berry ended the game on 27-4 run to turn a 45-44 game into a rout.

"Oglethorpe played well in the first half, but we made adjustments at the break," said Berry Head Coach Stephanie Dunn. "We regrouped, played hard, and had a very good second half."

Three other Vikings finished with double-digit points for Berry:  Chanlir Segarra tallied 12 points and 10 assists; Allison Lawrence notched 10 points; and Megan Walsh had 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Sarah Giles totaled 15 points to pace Oglethorpe.

Berry will return to action on Friday night at SAA foe Sewanee. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.