ATLANTA, Ga. – The No. 20 ranked Rhodes women's basketball team picked up its second Southern Athletic Association win, downing Oglethorpe University on Friday, 59-53.
 
The Lynx improve to 11-2 on the season and 2-0 in conference play while the Stormy Petrels fall to 5-8 on the year and 0-2 in league action.
 
The game proved to be a tight fight from the get go, with the Lynx and Petrels going tick for tack to start the contest. After falling behind, the Lynx charged back, establishing a six-point lead by the 10:35 mark after a seven-point run, fueled by a pair of layups from Bailey Kramer and a three from Blaire Smith made the count 19-13.
 
The Petrels answered, scoring nine straight to regain the lead with 7:20 to play in the half, with the Lynx trailing 22-19. Rhodes closed out the half with a 6-3 run, including a bucket from Dy'Nelle Todman and a lay-in from Jessie Ustick to head into the break with a slim 30-28 advantage.
 
At the half, the Lynx were led by Symone Daniels who had nine points and three rebounds. Todman chipped in seven points at the break, with Kramer and Sarah Johnson each netting four. The Petrels efforts were led by Emily Buck who had 13 point, with McKenzie Fortson adding five to the totals. Rhodes shot 34.5 from the field, while Oglethorpe shot 37.5 percent from the field.
 
In the second half, the Lynx worked to establish a lead, and at the 15:29 mark a Madison Butler three gave Rhodes a 36-35 edge, and head coach Matt Dean's squad never looked back. By the 6:21 mark, a pair of Todman trey's gave Rhodes a 51-45 lead. The Lynx finished strong down the stretch, and posted a 59-53 win.
 
Daniels netted 15 points and 12 rebounds for her fifth double-double of the season. Johnson also finished with 15 points, adding seven assists. Todman worked her way into double figures with 13 points and six rebounds.
 
The Petrels were led by Ciaira Hughes who tallied 20 points and 14 rebounds in the outing. Buck netted 13 points for Oglethorpe.
 
Rhodes shot 27.3 from the field, knocking down seven threes. The Lynx counterpart shot 30.3 in the contest, while Rhodes forced 16 Oglethorpe turnovers.
 
Rhodes will be back in action on Jan. 11 in Rome, Ga. against Berry College.