MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The second half rally by McMurry University Men's Basketball came up just short Sunday afternoon, as the War Hawks fell 83-76 to Berry College in a neutral site game in the finale of the Rhodes Christmas Classic.

Halfway through the second half, the War Hawks (4-6) found themselves down by 13 points. However, a 9-0 run with three straight triples brought McM back to within 54-50. A layup by freshman guard Cody LeBlanc cut the deficit to two at 56-54 with 9:57 left.

But McMurry couldn't quite even the score after creeping within two and three points multiple times. Trailing 76-73 with less than a minute remaining, the Vikings hit a three as the shot clock ran down to extend the lead back to six.

On the ensuing possession, junior guard Colin Taylor quickly connected on a three of his own, but Berry made four free throws to put the game away. Taylor made four threes on the afternoon, finishing with 14 points.

The teams traded the lead 10 times in the first half and were tied eight times, as it was a 31-31 deadlock at the intermission.

McMurry played at a fast pace, outscoring the Vikings 33-14 in fast break points. The Vikings had sizable advantages in points off turnovers and points in the paint.

Senior guard Dedrick Berry Jr. led McMurry with 16 points, converting 5-of-6 free throw attempts. Senior guard Zacc Carter also had 14 points, with 12 points coming in the first half. Carter led McM with nine rebounds. Senior forward Krishawn Terry added 10 points.

After the holiday break, McMurry will resume American Southwest Conference play with a four-game homestand. The first team to visit Kimbrell Arena will be LeTourneau University January 2 for a 7:30 p.m. tipoff.