JACKSON, Miss. – A slow first half was enough to stop the No. 6 Millsaps women's basketball team's momentum as the Majors fell to Rhodes in the SAA Tournament Championship, 66-52 on Saturday in the Hangar Dome.
 
Millsaps (12-2, 10-1 SAA) still had a banner season in 2021, securing the highest ranking in school history and winning its fifth SAA conference regular season title (sixth overall).

On Saturday, senior Dia Fortenberry closed out her illustrious Major career with 16 points and a career-high 12 rebounds. Fortenberry entered her final campaign as a three-time First Team All-SAA performer.

Sophomore Devan Caldwell provided a second-half spark with 11 points and three boards. Senior Taelor Manning added nine points, six assists and four rebounds in her finale collegiate contest.

Both Fortenberry and Manning were named to the SAA Women's All-Tournament Team.

Rhodes (10-3, 8-3 SAA), the No. 3 seed in the tournament who also upset No. 5 nationally ranked Oglethorpe the day prior, was able to lock down the Majors in the first half leading 31-17 at the break.

Millsaps wouldn't go quietly, however, as the squad used a 10-0 run to get back into the contest early in the third. Manning and Fortenberry each scored baskets before Caldwell electrified the crowd with back-to-back treys.

Rhodes' lead shrunk from 16 points down to a single tally after an ensuing 9-4 push by the Majors, cutting the deficit to 37-36 midway through the third. Millsaps would eventually outscore the Lynx, 25-16 in the third frame.

The Lynx would respond with a 9-0 burst to open the fourth and open the deficit up to 56-42 with four minutes to play. Millsaps continued to push back but Rhodes matched each counter and took home a 66-52 win.

SAA Women's All-Tournament
Savannah LeGate – Oglethorpe
Ellen Hicks – Centre
Taelor Manning – Millsaps
Dia Fortenberry – Millsaps
Alli Mayeux – Rhodes
Kiera Downey – Rhodes (MVP)


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