MEMPHIS, Tenn. (February 15, 2022) - Rhodes wrapped up their 2021-22 regular season with an exciting, albeit tough, loss to the Hendrix Warriors on Tuesday evening. The loss moves Rhodes to 10-14 (5-9 SAA) on the season, while Hendrix improves to 16-9 (9-5 SAA).
The game started at a snail's pace as the two teams combined for only seven points at the first media timeout. After the two teams swapped free throws, Rhodes scored their first basket around the 14:30 mark on a layup from
TJ Clayton. They built on the momentum, with
Jefferson Walker getting an easy one, followed by a
Koki Wiley three and a pair of free throws from
Seth Aeschliman. After a Hendrix bucket, Walker added a three and a tough finish in the paint to make the score 22-16 at the eight-minute media. The game stayed around that difference until there were 100 seconds left. The Warriors went on a 9-2 run to end the half up 37-24.
Arness Georgetown II came out firing for the Lynx in the second half, scoring five quick points.
Mac James and
Jalen Essick then hit back-to-back threes to cut the lead to 42-37. Hendrix was able to maneuver the ball down low for couple easy conversions, but Wiley was quick to respond and keep the Lynx in the game, scoring five straight points. As the two teams continued to battle, Rhodes chipped away at the lead, getting the score all the way down to 54-52 with 50 seconds to go. The final minute belonged to the Warriors though, as they converted their free throws and played a tough zone defense that forced Rhodes into bad shots. At the final buzzer, the score read 58-52.
Wiley led the Lynx offense, finishing with 16 points, seven rebounds, and four steals. No other Lynx hit double digits in points, though Georgetown and Walker both chipped in nine.
The loss will lead to a rematch in the quarterfinals of the SAA Tournament. Rhodes, the #6 seed, will travel to Conway to take on Hendrix, who secured spot #3 in the standings. Game time and date are to be determined. Stay tuned to rhodeslynx.com and our social media channels (@rhodesathletics) for the latest updates.
