MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Millsaps College (10-2, 1-0 SAA) defeated Rhodes College (9-3, 0-1 SAA), 81-70 at Mallory Gymnasium. The Majors secured the victory with a strong presence in the paint, scoring 52 points inside while also capitalizing on fast breaks with 26 points. The Lynx managed to stay competitive by hitting eight 3-pointers but ultimately fell short against Millsaps' balanced attack.

Junior Colt Donley led with 22 points, converting 11 of 12 free throws. Classmate David Combest Jr. contributed significantly on the boards, recording 11 rebounds, and added four steals. He chipped in eight points, four assists, and two blocks.

Senior Dakota Gasca made an impact with six free throws and a career-high tying seven assists. Junior Jaxon Toney scored 15 points, six rebounds and posted a career-best tying four blocks.

Millsaps opened the first half with a strong offensive push, highlighted by junior Davion James' layup, helping the team establish an early 6-0 lead. The Majors maintained momentum through effective fast breaks and defensive rebounds, resulting in a 13-3 advantage by 14:38. Despite a mid-half rally where Rhodes briefly took the lead, the Majors regained control in the closing minutes. Toney's layup with 44 seconds until intermission secured a narrow end-of-half lead, with Millsaps finishing the first half ahead, 38-34.

Millsaps surged ahead in the second half, opening with a quick layup by Combest Jr. The team maintained momentum, with Cameron Lumar assisting Donley for a fast-break layup at 16:47, helping to extend their lead to 44–39. The Majors showcased their defensive strength with six blocks, including multiple contributions from Toney, which stifled Rhodes' attempts to close the gap. Donley further widened the lead with a critical 3-pointer with 5:20 left, pushing the score to 69–63.

Back-to-back dunks by later Donley and Combest Jr. got the bench on their feet and put the game out of reach at 77-68 with 1:12 remaining. The Majors held on for an 81-70 triumph, closing the game an 11-2 run.

The Majors will remain on the road and take on Centre College in Danville, Ky., on Friday. Opening tip is set for 7 p.m. CT with live video and live stats available at gomajors.com.


To keep up to date with everything surrounding the Millsaps College men's basketball program follow the Majors on X and Instagram, like Millsaps Majors Athletics on Facebook and visit gomajors.com.

Founded in Jackson, Mississippi in 1890, Millsaps College is a national liberal arts college dedicated to academic excellence, open inquiry and free expression, the exploration of faith to inform vocation and the innovative shaping of the social, economic and cultural progress of our region. Consistently ranked as one of the best values in higher education, Millsaps has been praised by Colleges That Change Lives, The Princeton Review, Forbes Magazine, U.S. News & World Report, The John Templeton Foundation, and The Fiske Guide to Colleges.