MEMPHIS, Tenn. (January 9, 2022) - After playing tough for the first three quarters of the game, a late push from the Oglethorpe Stormy Petrels gave them the win over Rhodes on Sunday afternoon at Mallory Gym. The loss gives Rhodes a 5-8 (0-3 SAA) record on the year while Oglethorpe moves to 8-5 (2-1 SAA).

The two teams played battled back and forth in the first half, with neither team able to pull away early. Arness Georgetown II had the first points of the game on a pair of free throws, followed by a three from Zavien Williams that gave Rhodes a 5-4 lead. After the Petrels were able to tie things up, Mac James stepped up with a big three to give the Lynx the lead again. Oglethorpe would answer back, and over the next six minutes regain and extend a lead all the way to 30-20. However, Rhodes showed fight as James, Williams and Jalen Essick each scored on consecutive possessions to keep it close. Hayden Lamey and James then wrapped up the half with buckets, leading to a halftime score of 36-32 in favor of the Stormy Petrels. Rhodes shot a solid 48% from the floor in the first half on 13-27 shooting. 

In the second half, Oglethorpe could not pull away early. Each of the first four baskets they made were immediately answered by the Lynx. Georgetown was responsible for three fo those baskets and Rhodes focused on getting the ball to their big man down low. Near the midpoint of the half, the Petrels went on a small scoring run that was broken up a James three. However, the Petrels stayed hot and answered with two threes and two free throws that grew their lead to 61-48. From that point on, the lead never dropped below double digits as every attempt to come back from Rhodes was seemingly answered by the visiting team. Eventually, the clock ran out on Rhodes as they fell by a final score of 87-72.

James was the leading scorer for the Lynx, tying his season-high with 16 points. He also added three rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Essick and Georgetown each added 13 points as well. Lane Foster had a nice game for Oglethorpe, leading all scorers with 21 points while adding eight assists and five rebounds.

Next up for the Lynx is a weekend road trip. Rhodes will face Millsaps on January 14 at 8 pm, followed by a matchup with Birmingham Southern on January 16 at 3 pm.