MEMPHIS, Tenn. (February 15, 2022) - For the first time in program history, the Rhodes Lynx finished their conference schedule with an unblemished mark. They defeated the Hendrix Warriors 68-62 on Tuesday night, finishing the regular season 20-2 and 12-0 against SAA opponents. The win was their 13th overall in a row.

Reaching the milestone was not easy as the last-place Warriors put up an incredible amount of fight. The first quarter was sloppy for both sides as the two teams combined to shoot 6-30 (20%) from the floor. Rhodes connected on all of their free throw attempts and were able to hold on to a 13-7 lead at the end of one. 

The pace of play picked up in the second as Ellen Hagen connected on a three and a layup to extend the Rhodes lead. After two Hendrix makes, A'Niya Lagarde got in on the action with a pair of tough finishes down low. Still, Hendrix stayed around just enough to be pesky. A three-point play from Taya Lee, followed by another triple from Hagen opened up the lead and gave Rhodes room to breathe. Catherine Althoff then put the icing on the cake with a three pointer made with only eight seconds left on the clock to give Rhodes a 33-19 lead at half. 

Hendrix outplayed the Lynx in the third quarter, outscoring the home team 17-12. The Lynx struggled from the floor, converting only 5-16 shots. They also did not attempt a free throw in the third period. Kennedi Burns and Madi Pierce each scored six in the quarter to cut the Rhodes lead to nine at 45-36.

The fourth quarter saw the two teams combine for 49 points as they both fought for pride. Coming into the game, Rhodes had already locked in the #1 seed while Hendrix was the #8 for the upcoming tournament. Hendrix consistently chipped away at the lead while Rhodes struggled to make shots from the floor. At the 1:17 mark, it was a one-possession game, a scenario that Rhodes hadn't experienced in a while; seven of their last eight wins have been by double digits. Lagarde came through with a big make on a short jumper with under a minute to go, followed by four straight free throws form Libby Long and Lagarde to seal the deal, 68-62.

Althoff and Lagarde led the offense, with each girl recording a double-double. Althoff, the reigning SAA Player of the Week, scored 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds while Lagarde connected for 16 points and 12 boards. Ellen Hagen had 13 and dished out six assists. 

The 20-2 overall record is currently the best mark for any Lynx team since joining the SAA. It is their fourth 20-win season in the past decade.

They are the SAA conference champions and will host #8 Hendrix next weekend in the SAA quarterfinal. Time and date are to be determined. 


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