By MacKenzie Tuttle for Berryvikings.com

ATLANTA, Ga. -- Zarriah Pierce had a team-high 17 points, but the Berry College women's basketball team fell to Oglethorpe University, 63-61, on Saturday night.

Trailing 63-61 in the final seconds, Berry looked to tie, but Imani Smith's jump shot missed as time expired.

The loss dropped the Vikes to 7-8 overall and 1-3 in the Southern Athletic Association. The win improved the Stormy Petrels to 7-7 and 2-2.

Pierce's 17 points led the BC offense. She was 7-of-10 shooting, sunk one three-pointer and was 2-of-3 from the free throw line.

Smith, Emma Cook and Megan Casey each contributed nine points apiece.

Smith was 3-for-10 from the field, sank one three-pointer and was a perfect 2-for-2 from the free throw line. Cook was 3-of-8 shooting, sank a three-pointer and was also a perfect 2-for-2 from the free throw line. Casey was 4-of-9 from the field and 1-of-2 from the free throw line.

Smith and Valerie McLure headed up the Berry defense, grabbing seven rebounds and two steals each.

The Vikings led at the half, 31-26. The Stormy Petrels then took the lead with 7:27 left in the third quarter. BC kept the contest close but never regained the lead.

For Oglethorpe, Lauren Ransom scored 17 points. Ransom was 8-for-17 shooting and 1-of-2 from the free throw line. She also grabbed six rebounds in the win.

Berry shot 42.1-percent (24-of-57) to Oglethorpe's 40-percent (26-of-65), but the Stormy Petrels led the game in rebounds (41-35) and steals (9-7). They also forced 17 turnovers to Berry's forced 13. 

The Vikings travel to Conway, Arkansas, to take on Hendrix College in their next SAA match-up on Friday, January 22. Game time is slated for 7 p.m.