Memphis - Rhodes College women's basketball squared off against the defending Southern Athletic Conference Tournament Champs Friday night. The Lynx pulled away from Oglethorpe in the third quarter as both teams are now tied for second in the conference standings (4-2) after Rhodes' 56-45 victory. 

Tied 6-6, Oglethorpe took a 16-10 lead by the end of the first period. The Stormy Petrels went up by eight after Savannah LeGate opened the second frame with a layup six seconds into play. Junior Alyssa Owens answered for the Lynx, netting back-to-back three pointers, which forced an Oglethorpe timeout. Senior Allie Young then tied the game on a layup as Rhodes would go on to score an 18-6 advantage over Oglethorpe to close the half. 

Leading 28-22, Owens opened the second half with a jumper from Lindsey Whiteside to give Rhodes an eight-point advantage. Oglethorpe then scored nine straight points to take a brief lead. A Caroline Taylor free throw tied the game 32-all before Rhodes scored 11 straight points, of which seven came on free throws. The Lynx led 45-34 headed into the final period. A three-pointer from Alli Mayeux gave Rhodes their largest lead of the game (14 points) with 2:38 to play. Oglethorpe closed out the game with a trey with 30 seconds left. 

Owens led Rhodes with 20 points and five assists. She went six-of-eight overall including three-of-four from long range. Other double digit scorers included Young (12) and Mayeux (10). Senior Moriah Muhammad brought down 10 rebounds for the Lynx including seven on the defensive end. 

Oglethorpe finished the game with nine blocks. LeGate led all with 21 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks. 

Rhodes will now host Berry College on Sunday, January 20 at 1 p.m.