By Richalyn Miller for Berryvikings.com

ROME, Ga. —It came down to the final seconds Thursday night, but the Berry Vikings came up short in a close game against the Oglethorpe Stormy Petrels, 83-82.

The game featured 18 lead changes and was tied 12 times. Lake Graham scored a layup with 1:48 remaining to give BC an 82-81 edge. Tyler Courson converted two free throws to put OU ahead, 83-82.

The Vikings had the ball and called timeout with four seconds left. Mac Whalen shot a runner that rimmed out and time expired. 

"We're disappointed as we felt like it was a game we had the opportunity to win," said Berry Head Coach Jeff Rogers. "But we didn't do what we had to do at the end of the game," 

Owen Jacobs had another stellar night for the Vikings scoring 21 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. He was 6-9 shooting and made 9-10 free throws for BC.

The Stormy Petrels held a 46-42 lead at halftime. OU shot 62-percent (18-29) in the opening period to Berry's 48 percent (15-31). For the game, the Stormy Petrels shot 32-60 (53-percent) to Berry's 50-percent (30-60).

The Vikings had a total of five players score in double figures: Jacobs; Hunter Smoak (18); Graham (13); Whalen (12) and Jake Wright (12). Wright saw his first action of the year.

Oglethorpe also had five players record double-digits. Courson tallied 20 to lead the visitors.

"Our effort was really good for most of the game," said Rogers. "We'll dust ourselves off, go to practice tomorrow and we'll try and get better." 

Berry dropped to 3-3 and 0-1 in the Southern Athletic Association. OU improved to 7-1 and 1-0 in conference.

The Vikings play at Marvyille (Tenn.) on Saturday.