MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Rhodes women's basketball team, fueled by a 30 point performance from Lauren Avant, defeated Birmingham Southern College 75-57 on Sunday.
 
The Lynx advance to 17-3 on the season and 9-1 in league action while the Panthers move to 12-8, 6-4 in Southern Athletic Association play.
 
Rhodes took its time getting the offense going, but made it count when they did, opening with a 5-0 run behind a Dy'Nelle Todman layup and a Lauren Avant three to make the score 5-0 at the 18:08 mark. The Lynx worked to distance themselves from the Panthers, and worked to an eight point lead at the 10:22 mark after an Avant trip to the free throw line, posting an 18-10 advantage.
 
The Rhodes offense continued to strive as the Lynx defense stepped up. Coach Dean's squad forced 15 turnovers in the first 20 minutes of play, which they turned into 18 points. The Lynx closed out the first half with a pair of Sarah Johnson steals turned layups, to make the halftime score 39-17.
 
Avant led all scorers at the half with 16 points and four rebounds. Johnson added nine points and five steals to the Lynx first half totals. The Panthers were led by Kayla Ford, with six points, followed by Laura van Peursem and Elizabeth Bromirski who each netted four apiece.
 
Rhodes shot a first half field goal percentage of 37.1 percent, while BSC put up 26.3 percent. Coach Dean's squad also outworked the Panthers in the paint, outscoring them by a margin of 20-8.
 
A three from Todman opened the second half for the Lynx, pushing them out to a 25 point lead at 42-17 in the opening 40 seconds. Rhodes didn't let up off the gas, as they worked their way out to a 29 point lead after a nine point run to grab the 51-22 lead with 14:33 to play.
 
The Panthers whittled away the Lynx lead, pulling within 17 points after a nine point run of their own at the 10:17 mark after a Bromirski bucket made the score 53-36. The Panthers pushed further, pulling with 11 after a Kelsey Brown layup at the 6:18 mark made the score 58-47. The Lynx worked to finish strong and pushed back to an 18 point lead to close the contest after a Avant layup, making the final count 75-57.
 
Avant led all scorers with her 30 point performance to go with 10 rebounds for a double-double.  Daniels netted all of her 14 points in the second half, and pulled down five rebounds. Johnson added 13 points, seven steals and four assists to her totals.
 
The Panthers were led by Bromirski, who totaled 17 points and 14 rebounds for a double-double of her own. Van Peursem added 12 points and eight rebounds for BSC, with Brown adding nine points.
 
Rhodes shot 36.2 percent from the field, and knocked down four three pointers. The Lynx held their opponents to 37.5 percent from the field and a mere 11.8 percent from beyond the three point line. Rhodes caused 21 turnovers, converting them into 21 points.
 
The Lynx will hit the road for their next four games, with the first stop at Berry College on Feb. 14 Rhodes will top off against the Vikings at 5 p.m.