DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (December 19, 2021) - Playing for the first time in nearly two weeks, the Rhodes men's basketball team dropped a neutral site matchup against Augsburg University 70-60 on Sunday at the Ocean Center. The loss moves Rhodes to 5-4 on the year while Augsburg now sits at 8-2.

Despite the long layoff between games, the Lynx looked sharp off the jump ball. Mac James hit a jumper on their first possession, followed by a three from Jefferson Walker on the next trip down the court. Jalen Essick then added four points on a jumper in the paint and a pair of free throws to give Rhodes a 9-2 lead early on. Halfway through the period, both teams struggled to find their shot until Xavien Williams, playing in his home state of Florida. nailed a three around the ten-minute mark to make it 16-9. As the two teams traded blows, Joe Palmer carried the Auggies, nailing two triples to keep things tight. As the first half neared its end, a lid was put on the Lynx' rim, allowing Augsburg to go on a 9-0 run that gave them their first lead of the game at 30-27 with under two minutes to go. Buckets from Jayson Williams and Kevin Shen broke the scoreless streak, but by the end of the half, Augsburg held a 36-31 lead.

Rhodes was able to get six quick points in the second half from a Koki Wiley three, a Williams free throw, and a layup from Arness Georgetown II pulling the Lynx within two. However, it was Palmer again sparking a rally for the Auggies with a layup and two free throws that kickstarted a 12-0 run that gave Augsburg a comfortable cushion, 51-37. Still, the Lynx showed fight and countered with tough defense and a 10-0 run of their own to cut into the Auggies' lead, with an Essick triple bringing the Lynx within four, 51-47. For the third time, Palmer countered with big buckets as he scored seven of the next ten points in the game to reestablish the Auggie advantage. Augusburg tightened up their defense and did not allow the Lynx to come back as they held on for a 70-60 win.

Koki Wiley was the leading scorer for Rhodes, dropping 19 on 6-14 shooting to go with nine rebounds. Jalen Essick chipped in ten, while Walker and Williams added eight a piece. Palmer led all scorers with 25 for Augsburg. 

Coach's Corner:
"The effort and intensity from our guys was incredible," said head coach Zo Goodson. "Our offensive execution was there, we just missed a few shots. Defensively, we did what we needed to do, we won the rebound battle, we just needed a few more shot to fall on offense. I loved seeing the guys play with intensity and passion tonight, and I love watching them grow each game. It's a great group of young men."

Rhodes will look to move on quickly as they suit up Monday night to take on the Salisbury Mustangs. Tip is schedule for 8pm est/7pm cst. Fans can watch the game live here