MEMPHIS, Tenn. (February 27, 2022) - For the second consecutive season, the Rhodes Lynx proved to be the top team in the SAA following their 77-61 win over Oglethorpe University on Sunday afternoon at Mallory Gymnasium. The win guarantees Rhodes (23-2) a berth in the NCAA Tournament beginning next weekend.

Rhodes controlled the game from the tip, with Libby Long scoring the first four points of the game for the Lynx. She was followed by Catherine Althoff who hit a jumper and a pair of free throws to give Rhodes an early 8-4 lead at the first media timeout. The Stormy Petrels hung around and actually took a lead on a Jessamy Gaetnos three-pointer. The momentum for Oglethorpe was short-lived however as the Lynx ended the quarter on a 7-2 run thanks to multiple trips to the free throw line in the minute of the quarter.

Oglthorpe staged a comeback early in the second led by center Sydni Donovan who wreaked havoc in the paint on both ends of the court. She had a free throw and a jumper fall to bring the Petrels within one at 19-18. Rhodes was able to respond with jumpers from A'Niya Lagarde and Alli Mayeux to tkae control of the game once more. Moments later, with the Petrels within one yet again, Mayeux knocked down a huge three to keep Rhodes in front. Taylor Smith converted a bucket at the rim for Oglethorpe with four minutes left in the half; unfortunately for the Petrels, it would be their last make for a while. In the final four minutes of action, the Lynx scored 11 straight points with Taya Lee, Mayeux, Althoff, and Long all sinking shots. Oglethorpe got back on the board with a three from Emma Perna, but they left too much time on the clock and allowed Althoff to work down low and sink an off-balance jumper right at the buzzer to give Rhodes a 39-27 lead at the break. 

Rhodes converted on their first four possessions of the third quarter, with a variety of free throws, mid-range jumpers, and second chance points. Donovan did her best to keep the Petrels in it, scoring 15 points in the quarter, including personal runs of four straight, five straight, and six straight points. Despite her efforts, the Petrels were never able to get closer than ten points as Rhodes continued to find ways to score. Six different Lynx had points in the quarter, led by Althoff's five. At the end of the period, it was 60-46. As a fun fact, only players named Sydni/Sydnee scored for Oglethorpe in the quarter. 

The final period saw a barrage of whistles as the two teams combined to attempt 24 free throws. Oglethorpe was 8-10 from the stripe while Rhodes countered by going 11-14. Neither team could do much else as they matched each other with 3-12 shooting from the floor. Rhodes' defense was tremendous throughout the entire tournament, and this game was no different. Not only did they hold the Petrels to 25% shooting, they did not allow them to score in the final two minutes of the game. At the final buzzer, the score 77-61, and the Lynx had claimed their second straight SAA championship. 

Catherine Althoff was the leading scorer for the Lynx with 19 points to go with her seven rebounds. Alli Mayeux carded a double double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. The two free throws she converted at the end of the first quarter were the 999th and 1,000th points of her career. A'niya Lagarde also recorded a double double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, and was selected as the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. 

Rhodes will wait untl Monday's NCAA Selection Show to see what lies in their future. Location and opponent for next weekend's games will be streamed live on NCAA.com at 1:30 pm central.