Hawks come up short in double overtime

ROME, Ga. – The Huntingdon men's basketball team had its chances Wednesday night. But the Berry Vikings rallied and knocked off the Hawks 85-77 in double overtime.

The Hawks (5-11) committed 29 turnovers and hit just 15-of-26 free throws. Berry (4-11) struggled at the free-throw line as well, hitting just 19-of-35 free throws. But the Vikings made their free throws down the stretch.

Leading 78-73 in the second overtime, Berry hit 7-of-8 free throws in the final 39 seconds to seal the game.

"We made the same mistakes that have been hurting us all season," Huntingdon head coach Mike Pugh. "You can't turn the ball over that many times and you can't miss that many free throws in a close game. It's disappointing to see our guys play so hard and not be able to get the win."

Ryan Petty scored 17 points and Taylor Hughes added 10 points to lead Huntingdon and Tyler Stubbs had a team-high nine rebounds.

Huntingdon jumped out to a 16-point lead, 23-7, in the first half but only led 32-27 at the half. Huntingdon pushed its lead back to 14 points with 8:41 left in the game before Berry rallied.

The Vikings used a 23-8 run in the final eight minutes to take a 59-58 lead in the final minute of regulation. Petty hit 1-of-2 free throws with 18 seconds left to tie the game and force overtime.

In the first overtime, Berry led 68-66 before Courtnee Edgar tied the game on a layup with 11 seconds left. Berry missed a 3-pointer in the final seconds and a jump shot at the buzzer to set up the second overtime.

Huntingdon returns to action at Rust on Saturday.