MOUNT BERRY, Ga. - Chase Ellis's career high, 31-points was not enough to overcome the Scots of Maryville College in the final seconds of tonight's game as the Vikings dropped 85-83.

From the tip the game was tight with the Vikings earning the first lead that they would not get back until late in the second half. Bryce Clark began strong in the paint, posting the first five points. Maryville's Reed Kemp began his scoring frenzy with a made jumper on his way to 39-points but Vikings thirty point scorer, Chase Ellis tied the game at nine with a made three for his first points of the night.

A 6-0 run from the Scots created some separation six minutes into the first half. Back and forth baskets claimed the next six minutes and junior transfer, Parker Godwin nailed a three to bring the game back within one point at 29-28. Once again after bringing the game within a possession, the Vikings allowed for a Scots 6-0 run (40-34). With both teams shooting above 57% from the field the entire half, the Vikings began their way back to a one point game with leading scorer, Ellis's layup in the final minute of the half.

Maryville found one more bucket before halftime to claim a three point lead (44-41).

Six second half three's from the Scots proved to be a problem for Berry as the team shot 75% from behind the arc. The first one came in the opening minute of the second half that tacked on to a 7-0 run. 

Up by eleven, Maryville struggled to find an answer for Ellis with five quick points and his teammates chipping in free-throws and a jumper to cut the game to two (54-52). Unable to find a rhythm defensively, the Vikings allowed for another pull-away for a nine point separation with 8:27 to go in the game. 

Freshman, Isaac Martin's free-throws began a surge for his team to bring it back to a one point game in less than two minutes (68-67). Martin hit a big three for his seven point lift in an effort to gain momentum. His nine points on the night contributed hugely to the 25 bench points for the Vikings.

Ellis stole the lead at 3:21 with a made layup that erupted Cage Arena (76-75). Maryville quickly answered with a made three that would not deter the Vikings. Still fighting and down two with 36 seconds remaining, Ellis headed to the foul line to sink two essential free-throws that tied the game at 83 with 18 seconds in the game.

Shot clock off, the Scots held the ball until the final four seconds when Kemp drove and scored, not leaving enough time for Berry to get within a plausible scoring distance.



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