Berry Athletics Contributed To This Report

DANVILLE, Ky. (Feb. 25, 2018) – Shocking, unbelievable, and madness were just a few words to describe the feeling as No. 8 seed Berry won its first-ever Southern Athletic Association (SAA) Men's Basketball Tournament, Sunday. The Vikings sent waves throughout the SAA with an 88-78 final over No. 7 seed Hendrix.

En route to its title, Berry defeated No. 1 seed and host Centre College on Friday. Berry will now await their opponent in the team's first NCAA Division III Tournament appearance after the selection show tomorrow at 12:30 p.m.

Caleb Johnson was selected as the SAA Tournament MVP after a historic performance, setting a program record with 45 points on 14-for-20 shooting. He was also 15-for-16 at the free throw line, hit a pair of threes, had eight rebounds and never left the floor. 

Elijah Hirsh joined Johnson on the All-Tournament team. Despite getting into foul trouble early, Hirsh was a force on the defensive end of the floor, collecting five rebounds and two big blocks. 

Berry had a strong first half, leading 38-28 at halftime with Johnson putting up 19 points. The Vikings shot 48.3-percent from the field and were dominant on the boards, leading 20-14 in the opening period. 

Johnson turned a good game into an unforgettable game in the second half, posting 26 points and was 12-for-13 at the charity stripe to seal the Vikings victory. 

As a team, Berry was 47.3-percent from the field but was an incredible 82.5-percent on free throws, hitting 33-of-40. The Vikings were also able to capitalize on the Warriors turnovers, recording 22 points when given extra possessions.

Men's Basketball All-Tournament Team

Centre - Perry Ayers

Rhodes - Anesu Nyawata

Sewanee - Adrian Thomas

Millsaps - Sam Kohnke

BSC - Matty Rudak

Oglethorpe - Will Perry

Hendrix - Preston Smith, Jacob Link

Berry - Elijah Hirsh, Caleb Johnson (MVP)

Postgame Press Conference

For more information on the Southern Athletic Association, please visit www.SAA-Sports.com. You can also follow the SAA on Twitter and Instagram.