ROME, Ga. – Shane Watson's career high 29 points helped lead the Rhodes men's basketball team past Berry College, 88-72 on Friday night in Southern Athletic Association play.
 
With the win, the Lynx move to 14-8 on the season and 7-4 in league play. The Vikings now post a 4-18 overall record with a 1-10 standing within the conference.
 
The Lynx opened up the contest with a Geoff Livsey bucket to grab the early 2-0 lead in the opening minute. Rhodes quickly built on their lead and a Luke Collins three-pointer gave them an eight point advantage at the 14:43 mark, with an 11-3 lead. Coach Mike DeGeorge's squad pressed on, marking a 20-9 lead after a Livsey bucket with 9:46 to play in the first half.
 
Rhodes continued to add padding to their lead, as Shane Watson buried a jumper to make the count 33-19 at the 3:56 mark. The Vikings mounted a comeback with a 9-2 run with 1:53 to play, after a pair of Connor Webber free throws made the score 35-28. With a pair of Watson free throws to end the half, the Lynx took a 41-31 advantage into the locker room.
 
At the half, the Lynx had eight players in the scoring column, including 13 points from Watson who came in off the bench. Ryan Van Hoeck added seven first half points, including a dunk. The Vikings were led by Owen Jacobs who netted 11, followed by Hunter Smoak who tallied eight.
 
Rhodes posted a first half shooting percentage of 50.0 percent from the field, with only one three falling for the Lynx. Rhodes held its opponents to 42.1 percent shooting in the first half, with 28.6 percent from beyond the three point arc.
 
Livsey found the basket again to open the second half, as he converted a layup just 32 seconds in to give the Lynx a 43-31 advantage. Rhodes managed any runs the Vikings fought to muster, holding onto their double digit lead. Berry pulled within seven points after a Lake Graham old fashioned three-point play at the 14:16 mark, making the count 50-43.
 
But the Lynx fought back with an eight point run with free throws from Watson and Drew Miller, along with a Matt Wagner and Watson layup, to post the 63-49 lead over the Vikings with 8:28 to play. Rhodes extended its lead to 12 after a Wagner lay-in at the 4:11 mark made the count 71-59. Watson posted a six point run over the closing minutes, capped with a dunk to lock up the Lynx win, 88-72.
 
Rhodes was led by Watson, as he posted a career-high 29 points for the Lynx to go with five rebounds. Van Hoeck and Livsey also finished in double-digits, with 12 and 10 points respectively. Livsey also added four rebounds and three assists to his totals.
 
The Vikings balanced offense was led by Mac Whalen and Smoak, who each netted 15 in the outing. Owen Jacobs also tacked on 14 to Berry's total.
 
On the evening, the Lynx shot a hot 51.1 percent from the field, while only making an uncharacteristic three, three pointers. Rhodes held their opponent to 46.5 percent from the field and 31.2 percent from three point land.
 
Rhodes will finish its Georgia road trip on Sunday, Feb. 16 as the Lynx tip off against Oglethorpe University at 2 p.m.