MOUNT BERRY, Ga. - Men's Basketball is going dancing after defeated Rhodes College in the Southern Athletic Association Championship, 74-57.

Braxton Benham and Blake Campbell led the way and were named to the SAA All-Tournament team, with Campbell being named the MVP.

With the win, Berry earns their fourth SAA title, the most by any team in the conference and will represent the Southern Athletic Association in the DIII NCAA Tournament.

Head Coach Mic Hedgepeth says that, "defense was the key after giving up 80-points in yesterday's tight win. They say defense wins championships for a reason, we knew Rhodes was a dangerous team to play and holding them to 57-points was what we needed.

The win feels phenomenal, after a tough one last year. We have had one of the hardest schedules in the country and after battling injuries and adversity we have continued to get better and better; capping it off this way really speaks to the character of our team."

The Vikings returned to The Cage for the second year in a row, and this time refused to falter. Facing off against the seventh seeded Lynx, Berry had respect for the underdog who has been playing very well recently.

From the tip, the Lynx controlled the lead for the first five minutes as Berry struggled offensively at home for what seemed like the first time this season. Riley Costas, who had his first season double-double took the lead at 9-7, one that would be held on to for the remainder of the first half with a Drew Winegarden three to secure it.

From then on, the Vikings took control, with major points coming off the bench, outscoring the Lynx bench by 20 points.

Costas closed out the first half on a solo 5-0 run, wanting this championship for his team. (37-25)

Tournament MVP, Campbell showed up in the second half on his way to 17-points, 5 rebounds, and two assists. 

Rhodes challenged the Vikings in the second half  after Berry went up by 17, the Lynx began to chip away and before the crowd knew it the game was back within 11.

Berry let Rhodes have their run, but then continued to get the ball inside for easy points, outscoring the Lynx majorly in the paint to add to their success and capture the conference tournament title.

This win is the Vikings 16th-straight as they look to keep the streak alive heading into the tournament.

Berry Press Conference

The selection show will be held tomorrow at 1:00 PM ET, which will decide where the Vikings are headed for the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Read Full Article