Wolves get thrilling win over Gulf Coast

WESSON, Mississippi - Freshman Daniel Smothers drove in for a lay up with 7.2 seconds left to lift the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Wolves to a 77-76 win over the Mississippi Gulf Coast Bulldogs. Gulf Coast had an opportunity to win the game, but Melvion Flanagan's shot fell short as the Wolves celebrated their first South Division win. Co-Lin (2-2, 1-2) travels to Poplarville on Thursday, Feb. 4, to take on the Pearl River Wildcats. Tip off is set for 6 p.m.

"We played better tonight as a team and that allowed us to get everyone more involved in the offense," said Co-Lin head coach Kenny Bizot. "Our defense and hustle led to transition baskets. We played aggressive, got to the free throw line and made free throws Tonight's win is good for our program."

In the last three minutes of the half, back-to-back 3-pointers by Rodrique Massenat and Flanagan gave the Bulldog's a 34-26 lead. Gulf Coast increased their lead 37-26 on a basket and free throw by Flanagan. An old fashion 3-point play by TJ Monroe and a bucket by Co-Lin's Dee Merriweather pulled the Wolves to within 39-31 at the half. 

The Wolves came out in second half back-to-back treys by Smothers and Quandarius Studaway to cut the Bulldog lead to 39-37. It would be nip and tuck the rest of the game with 6 ties. With  55 seconds left in the game, Monroe hit two free throws to tie the game at 75-all. Gulf Coast's Jayden McCorvey hit 1-of-2 free throws with 25 seconds remaining to give the Bulldogs a 75-76 lead. Then, Smothers took the ball and drove the lane with what would be winning shot.

Smothers, a Warren Central High School product, led the Wolves with 18 points. JD Allen and Jermario Hersey followed with 15 and 10 points, respectively. Sophomore TJ Monroe led off the backboards with 6 rebounds. Studaway dished out 5 assists

Gulf Coast had four players in double figures led by Flanagan with 21 points. Anthony Ratliff and Massenat had 14 points apiece followed by Carr Thiam with 10. 

Photo by Chuck Barnes