Despite a solid first half in which the Covenant shot 48% from the field as a team, the Vikings of Berry College defeated the Scots 79-60 in both team's regular season opener.
Covenant matched Berry basket for basket throughout the first half and even managed a 5 point lead with 3:30 left in the period. However, Berry shot 64% from three in the second half pulling away with a 19-point victory.
Davis Eldridge led the scoring for the Scots with 18 points, including 4 of the team's 5 three-pointers. Damien Chaney added 10 points with 7 rebounds, and Chase Foster scored 8 points while dishing out 3 assists.
As a team, Covenant matched Berry in rebounds (38) and recorded 2 less turnovers (17), but Berry's three-point shooting proved to be the difference in the game.
The Scots are now officially 0-1 and will play in their first home game of the 2009-2010 season Wednesday night against former conference opponent Tennessee Wesleyan College.
In the womens game, Erika Forland had a monster game Monday night recording 17 points, 20 rebounds, 5 blocks, and 4 steals for Covenant, but it was not enough to overcome Berry's three double-digit scorers. Berry won 77-56.
The Lady Scots, who are now without All-Conference point guard Liz Martin for the first game in three years, struggled with possession as they committed 38 turnovers, 18 of which went with a Berry steal. Returners Margaret Cross and Hannah Craft came off the bench and scored 11 and 5 points respectively, accounting for all three of the team's three-pointers.
For the Lady Vikings, Tikedra Jones scored 21 points and pulled down 8 rebounds, Erica Crumley scored 18, and Lakisha Bryant 10.
Overall, Berry outscored Covenant 19-6 on the fast-break, 34-14 off turnovers, and 46-26 in the paint.
The Lady Scots are now 0-1 and will face the 2-2 Lady Bulldogs of Tennessee Wesleyan College Wednesday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30.