COLUMBUS, Miss. (December 5, 2021) - A day after losing a close one to Emory, the Rhodes Lynx were able to bounce back with a convincing 77-53 win over the Mississippi University for Women Owls on Sunday. The win gives Rhodes an 8-2 record through their first ten games, while the loss moves MUW to 0-7 on the year.

The Lynx set the tone early on, converting on 50% of their attempts from the field in the first quarter. Rhodes started the game on a 7-0 run with a three from Alli Mayeux and a pair of layups from A'Niya Lagarde. The Owls had no answer for the Lynx duo as they combined to score the first twenty points of the game for Rhodes. The defensive effort was impressive early, as Rhodes limited MUW to 1-11 shooting and forced nine turnovers. At the end of one, the score was 25-6 in favor of the Lynx.

MUW showed signs of like in the second quarter, as they ripped off a 7-0 run of their own to begin the period. However, Rhodes was quick to respond with a Mayeux three and a trio of makes from the paint courtesy of Lagarde and Catherine Althoff. Taya Lee jumped in on the scoring action late in the quarter with five straight points, and helped the Lynx to a 44-19 halftime lead. 

The Owls came out of the break playing inspired basketball, as they opened with a 10-3 run. Once again, Rhodes was ready to respond as they went on a streak of seven straight points, with Althoff scoring four and Mayeux converting an and-one in the paint. The Lynx continued to work their size advantage down low as their last five made baskets of the quarter came from the restricted area. By the end of three, Rhodes led 65-36.

With the game well in hand, Rhodes took their foot off the gas in the 4th quarter. The Lynx converted five of twelve attempts from the field, scoring 12 points en route to their 77-53 win.

Mayeux ended the game with 26 points on 9-14 shooting, including 4-9 from distance. Lagarde posted a double-double with 17 points and ten rebounds, and also added three assists and three steals. The Rhodes defense was phenomenal in this one, forcing 21 turnovers while limiting the Owls to 28% shooting.

Rhodes will have a lengthy break before their next action. The next scheduled game is on January 3rd against SAA foe Hendrix College at 3:00 p.m.