MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Rhodes women's basketball team secured their spot in the Southern Athletic Association Conference Tournament Championship on Saturday, as they defeated Berry College, 85-70.
 
The Lynx extend their season and improve their record to 23-3 on the year, while the Vikings likely see their season come to a close with a final mark of 13-13.
 
Rhodes opened play with a 9-2 run, fueled behind a pair Dy'nelle Todman jumpers and Sarah Johnson and Lauren Avant buckets. Rhodes pushed its lead even further, riding an 11-0 run to a 20-6 lead at the 13:57 mark after a pair of Avant buckets.
 
The Lynx extend their lead throughout the period, pushing to a 14 point advantage after Blaire Smith knocked down a try with 7:10 to play, making it 34-20. Smith again distanced the Lynx from the Vikings when her lay-in at the 3:42 mark brought the Lynx to their largest lead of17, 44-27. Coach Matt Dean's squad finished out the half strong with a pair of baskets from Johnson and Avant to take a 52-38 lead into the half.
 
Avant led all scorers at the break with 20 points. Todman added eight for the Lynx, with six apiece from Johnson and Bailey Kramer. Berry's offensive efforts were led by Emma Cook, who netted 12 first half points, followed by 11 from both Mel McLean and Chanlir Segarra.
 
Rhodes shot a hot first half percentage of 64.7 percent, with 37.5 percent accuracy from beyond the three point arc. The Lynx held the Vikings to 52.4 percent shooting from the field, while Berry knocked down four first-half threes.
 
In the second half, the Lynx continued to build on their lead, as a Symone Daniels layup took the Lynx lead out to 20 at the 16:08 mark, 60-40. Rhodes continued to distance themselves from the Vikings, with balanced scoring and tenacious defense. A pair of Todman three's at the 12:15 mark gave Rhodes its largest lead of 25, making the count 72-47.
 
Rhodes was able to stave off any Berry charges, and held the Vikings to just 32.0 percent shooting in the second half. The Lynx held on for the 85-70 win.
 
Avant led the way with 24 points, six rebounds and six assists to go with three steals. Todman added her season high 18 points to the Lynx total, and was just one rebound shy of a double-double at nine. Daniels finished with 11 points while Sarah Johnson worked into double figures with 10 points and six assists.
 
Berry was led by McLean who netted 21 points in the outing. Segarra added 15, with Cook chipping in 13.
 
Rhodes forced 19 turnovers, which they turned into 23 points, and outscored the Vikings in the paint by a count of 44-22.
 
Rhodes will advance to the SAA Conference Tournament Championship, set for Sunday March 2 at 1 p.m.