Memphis Standard

The Lynx secured their 8th straight victory (76-54) in the opener of the Rhodes Holiday Classic against the Huntingdon College Hawks. The win continues the team's best start to a season in 22 years. 

The win, as we've seen all season, was powered by the Lynx defensive effort. The first half began with the Lynx pressing from the opening tip, which led to a few easy baskets and an early Lynx lead. Jalen Essick continued his hot start to the season and led all first half scorers with 19 pts. Plus-minus guru, Arness Georgetown II, joined Essick in leading the Lynx on the offensive end, and finished the half with 13 pts. He also helped the Lynx win the rebounding battle in the half (23-17) by grabbing 6. The Hawks were able to get back into the game after a scoring drought by the Lynx led to a 13-4 Hawks run. However, after a few big baskets by Georgetown II, Essick, and Jefferson Walker, the Lynx went on a 10-0 run and extended their lead back to double-digits. They held onto their double-digit lead until halftime and finished the half up 39-27.

The 2nd half began with the Lynx in foul trouble, and a Hawks scoring run. The Hawks were able to get the lead down to 2, but clutch baskets from Jack Dempsey and Zavien Williams stopped the bleeding and got the lead back to 5. Coach Zo decided to trust his bench unit in an extended run in an effort to spark the Lynx offense. His plan worked as Williams and the bench unit went on a 10-0 run and extended the lead back to 12. Williams was all over the court for the Lynx, finishing the game with 10 pts, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 steals. Mike Wagner and Elijah White helped lead the charge during the run with their energy and effort, something Coach Zo pointed out in his postgame interview. With 12 min remaining, Coach Zo reinserted his starters and the Lynx never looked back. At the final buzzer they lead 76-54 giving them their 8th straight win and 2nd straight over the Hawks. 

The win continues the magical start to the season. The Lynx are currently first in the SAA in overall defense and it was on full display against the Hawks. The Lynx forced 21 Hawks turnovers and had 13 total steals. They also held the Hawks to 29.5% shooting for the game. Essick, in his postgame interview, spoke about how they take pride in their defensive effort and it is something that is preached every day by Coach Zo and his staff. The Lynx look to make it 9 in a row on Sunday at 2pm against Loras College. 

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