JACKSON, Miss. -- The Millsaps College men's basketball team picked up a huge Southern Athletic Association (SAA) win on Friday night, as with an 84-77 victory, the Majors swept the season series from the Rhodes College Lynx for the first time since the 2007-2008 season.
Millsaps jumped out to a big lead at halftime, and held off a late Rhodes comeback attempt to secure the win.
The victory pushes to Majors up to 14-9 overall and 6-6 in conference play. The Lynx drop to 5-17 overall and 2-10 in the SAA.
Tonight's win was the 100th of head coach
Jimmy Smith's career, and the 14 wins on the season are already the most ever during his time at Millsaps.
How It Happened
Millsaps came out of the gate ready to roll as they opened up the game on an 8-0 run.
That advantage quickly grew to double-digits a few minutes later when a pair of
Newlon Gillihan free throws put the Majors up 14-4.
Their largest lead of the half came when
She'Chem Grant connected on a three-pointer to make it a 33-16 game with 4:35 remaining until halftime.
Rhodes cut the lead down to 11, but the Majors were able to respond, closing the half on an
Kaleb Jenkins jumper to carry a 38-24 lead back to the locker room.
Early second half adjustments by the Lynx allowed them to get back into the game. Less than seven minutes into the second half Rhodes found themselves trailing by just one point, 40-39.
The Majors never surrendered the lead however.
They weathered the storm, and slowly started to pull away from the Lynx.
When Jenkins drilled a three-pointer with 3:13 left to play in the game the Millsaps lead was back out to double-digits.
They led by as many as 15 points, before holding off another Rhodes comeback attempt late to secure the 84-77 win.
Notables
Saxton Becker led the way with 17 points, including shooting 5-8 from beyond the three-point line.
Jenkins added 15 points, while
Anthony Hughes scored 10.
The Millsaps bench outscored Rhodes 46-19
What's Next?
Millsaps is back home on Sunday afternoon when they host Hendrix College. Tip off is set for 3:00 p.m.
To keep up to date with everything surrounding the men's basketball program this year follow the Majors on Twitter and Instagram, like Millsaps Majors Athletics on Facebook or visit gomajors.com.
