Co-Lin runs away with 97-74 win over East Central

WESSON, Miss. – Despite a slow start, the Wolves of Copiah-Lincoln Community College grabbed a MACJC South Division win over East Central Thursday night, 97-74. The Wolves slowly pulled away from the Warriors throughout the second half to leave Mullen Gymnasium with the victory. The win moves the Wolves to 11-1 on the season and 1-1 in division play. East Central falls to 8-4, 2-1 on the year. The Wolves travel to Utica, Miss. Saturday, January 20^th as Co-Lin faces Hinds. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Listen to the action live at colinathletics.com.  

"Tonight was a big win for us," said Co-Lin head coach Kenny Bizzot. "For us to come out here and stay focused after this week and share the ball like we did…it was a nice team win. We shot the ball so well tonight, we were able to stay with the early and take the lead at the half."  

East Central leapt out in front of the Wolves early in the match up with several three-pointers. Seven minutes into the game the Warriors led Co-Lin 20-13, their largest lead of the game. The Wolves battled through the adversity with some solid possessions on the offensive end of the floor and rattled of seven straight points to tie the game at 20 all. East Central took the lead once again, but Darrian Wilson, Youry White, and Lazorian McNulty led Co-Lin on another 7-0 run give the Wolves the lead.

Co-Lin never waivered for the remainder of the contest as the Wolves' lead continued to stretch. The Wolves continued to have the hot hand for the rest of the half and took a 52-42 lead into the locker room. Midway through the game the Wolves were shooting a staggering 66 percent (21-for-32) from the floor and 63 percent (10-for-16) from three-point range.

The second half was controlled by Co-Lin as the Wolves wore down the Warriors on both ends of the floor. Co-Lin's style wasn't flashy or momentum swinging, but slow and steady as the lead slowly grew with each defensive stop. Mid way through the half Co-Lin led by 16, and with six minutes remaining the Wolves had pulled that lead to 21, 83-62. This style of play continued to the final buzzer and allowed the Wolves to cruise to victory.

Co-Lin had six double-digit scorers, but was led by Jonathan Floyd with 18 points. The sophomore from Gulfport also led the Wolves with nine assists. Damarius Brooks posted 16 points, Anthony Jones scored 15, McNulty, White scored 13, and Wilson netted 11 to round the Wolves top scorers. Jones led Co-Lin on the glass with eight rebounds, while brooks hauled in six. Another notable stat was Wilson's four steals, a season high for the sophomore.

Roti War led the Warriors with 28 points, while Thurston McCarty added 14. Cameron Diggs netted 12 for East Central and led the Warriors on the boards with seven rebounds.

Co-Lin shot 59 percent (37-for-63) from the field, 58 percent (15-for-26) from the three-point line, and 89 percent (8-for-9) from the foul stripe. The Warriors finished the night shooting 42 percent (25-for-59) from the field, 38 percent (9-for-28) from beyond the arc, and 75 percent (15-for-20) from the free throw line.

"We have a long way to go, and it's a long season," said Bizzot. "We are in a nice position, but we have to get some rest and be ready for Saturday and follow that up with another game on Monday."

The Wolves take on the Hinds Bulldogs Saturday with a 3:00 p.m. tipoff. Listen to the game at colinathletics.com and follow @colinathletics on Twitter for updates.