BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Birmingham-Southern men's basketball team went toe-to-toe with the Berry Vikings coming up just short in the end falling 77-74. The Panthers had the ball with 1.7 seconds left and a chance to tie but could not get a shot off. 

Berry and BSC played a very back and forth first half with no team leading by more than five points at any point. Berry got hot in the middle of the period maintaining a five point lead. As the teams neared the end of the first half the momentum slowly shifted over to the Panthers. BSC got some key stops and some key baskets as the half started to wind down, and took over the lead with 3:45 remaining. The Panthers held on to that lead and took a 40-36 lead into halftime. 

Out of halftime the Vikings gained the momentum back quickly getting right back into the game, and even going on an 11-0 run just before the under 12-minute media timeout to take a 56-50 lead. The Vikings grew their lead by as much as nine at one point, but the Panthers did not back down. The Panthers never let the Berry lead get to double digits. 

BSC found themselves back in a one possession game after a quick 7-0 run with baskets from Paul Fitzgerald, Christian Stewart, and Jay Gillespie. The Panthers were unable to tie by were able to stay within striking distance coming down the stretch. With about three minutes left BSC was able to force a turnover. They pushed the ball up the floor and let Stewart go to work. He was able to make a jumper and tie the game at 73. That basket at 2:47 would be the last field goal to be made. 

A couple calls went in favor of Berry, leading to free throws. The Vikings could not close it out allowing the Panthers to stick around in a one possession game. The Panthers were unable to get a shot of with just under two seconds left and feel to Berry 77-74. 

Records
Birmingham-Southern 8-8 Overall (3-2 SAA), Berry 12-2 Overall (3-1 SAA)

News and notes
> Stewart grabbed half of the Panthers offensive rebounds tonight.
> The Panthers are 2-6 when they commit 15+ turnovers in a game. 
> The last time the Panthers beat Berry in Bill Battle was Jan. 6, 2019

Up next
The Panthers will conclude their four-game home stand on Sunday, Jan. 23 as they host Oglethorpe at 3 p.m.