Memphis - Rhodes College men's basketball jumped out to an 11-0 lead over the visiting Sewanee Tigers Friday night, which got the home crowd roaring early, particularly after Preston Giroux put down a huge block for the first media timeout. Rhodes defeated the Tigers 85-76, their second win in four games.

Rhodes eventually led 31-15 (16 points) before Sewanee closed the half on an 11-6 run, giving the Lynx a 36-26 halftime lead. The Tigers cut Rhodes' lead to four after scoring six straight points to open the second half. With the Lynx leading by seven just four minutes into the half, Rhodes scored 10 unanswered points, enticing the crowd once again on their way to a 17-point lead with 12:03 to play. The teams would trade baskets for the remainder of the game. 

Koki Wiley led the game with 24 points and a team-high eight rebounds. He scored 22 points during the second half alone, went 7-of-8 in the field overall and drained each of his nine free throw attempts. Mitch Weatherford scored 16 points for Rhodes, 10 of which came in the second half while Jalen Essick also hit double digits with 11 points. Essick and Preston Giroux both recorded five rebounds. 

Overall the Lynx averged .473 in the field and went 14-of-27 (.519) in the second half. Rhodes sank 26 of 55 free throws (.839) and grabbed 32 rebounds in the win. 

Rhodes will look ahead to hosting Centre College at 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 26.