TYLER, Texas – Rhodes basketball fell in a close overtime battle to the University of Texas at Tyler, 98-95 on Friday.
The Lynx fall to a 1-2 record, while the Patriots start their season with a 1-0 record.
Rhodes grabbed its first lead in the opening three minutes of the contest when the Lynx went on a 6-0 run behind a
Drew Miller three, and an old-fashioned three point play by
Ryan Van Hoeck. Rhodes fought back from a seven point deficit to go on a 17-0 run at the 9:44 minute mark, propelled by triples from
Geoff Livsey,
Michael Gallagher and
Patrick McGrail. The Lynx took hold, and extended their lead, taking a 44-29 point tally into the halftime after a made
Johnny Dunavant three to close the half.
The Lynx dominated the second half fighting off several Patriots surges. It wasn't until the final minute of regulation that the Lynx saw UT Tyler tie up the game at 84-84. Rhodes' McGrail drew a foul with 31 seconds remaining to put the Lynx up 86-84 after a pair of made free throws. UT Tyler pulled within one after a made Travis Dykman free throw, making the count 86-85. Rhodes continued to find their way to the foul line, converting three more free throws, lifting the Lynx 89-85. In a last chance effort, UT Tyler made two field goals in six seconds to send the contest into overtime.
In the extra period the battle continued, as the five minutes saw seven lead changes. A Dykman jumper put the Lynx down 95-93 with 1:19 left to play. On the next possession Livsey split the defenders for a layup to knot the contest once again at 95-95 with 16 seconds to play. The Patriots' Nathan Harbour scored a basket and drew a foul in the final second of the contest, and after converting the free throw, defeated the Lynx 98-95.
The Patriots starting five had the majority of the squad's points, and were led by Travis Dykman who netted 28 points. DeMarcus Metcalf had 23 points for UT Tyler, adding seven rebounds and three assists.
Geoff Livsey had his second straight game in double figures, leading the Lynx with 19 points. Livsey also pulled down four rebounds, and had one assist in the contest.
Luke Collins and
Drew Miller each contributed 15 points, while Collins also had six rebounds, five assists and one steal. Miller pulled down seven rebounds and two assists.
Matt Wagner contributed 12 points off the bench, with two rebounds and one assist and steal in the game.
Rhodes will complete their road trip at Letourneau University on Nov. 23 when they take on the Yellow Jackets at 3 p.m.
