SUMMIT — Ashley Murphy had a career night and it couldn’t havecome at a better time. The Co-Lin sophomore guard sacked 17 points,including 5 treys, sparking the Lady Wolves to a 67-63 Thursdaynight victory over the Lady Bears of Southwest MississippiCommunity College.

Murphy, a 5-foot-5, red-headed sharpshooter from Raymond, was aperfect 5-for-5 in first half treys, leading Co-Lin to a 40-34halftime advantage in Holmes Gymnasium. The Wolves held off a laterally and improved their record to 6-4 overall and 2-0 in the SouthDivision.

“It was about time,” answered Murphy when asked about her3-point marksmanship. “I was more focused than I have been. Myteammates deserve credit. They set up screens and got the ball tome.”

One of 5 sophomores on the 15-member squad, Murphy said her teamis coming together. “We are starting to play team ball. It doesn’tmatter who scores.”

Southwest (6-6, 1-1) refused to quit and nearly overcameCo-Lin’s 9-point, second-half lead. A trey by Conceita Cutrer and afree throw by Clarissa Thompson, reduced Co-Lin’s lead to 1 point,62-61, with 66 seconds left in the game.

Responding 26 seconds later, the Wolves got a big 3 fromfreshman guard Nikki Williams, plus 2 free throws, to secure thewin. Williams finished with 11 points.

“Nikki is a leader for us and she sealed the game,” saidMurphy.

Teammate Dominique Whitfield chipped in 13 points and freshmancenter Erica Trahan dominated the backboards, grabbing 12rebounds.

“It was a good road win for us,” said Co-Lin women’s coach GwynYoung. “I’m pleased with the way we came back after falling behindearly. Ashley made some shots in the first half which got us backin. It was a team effort.”

Southwest got 15 points from Yalanda Grady, a 5-9 sophomore fromMagnolia. Forward Michelle Cochran and center Myoshi Pounds added11 points each. Pounds, a 6-1 sophomore from Kentwood, led her teamwith 9 rebounds.

“The difference was Murphy’s threes,” said Southwest coach MarkSwindle. “We didn’t guard her very well.

“We won the second half,” Swindle pointed out. “Number 21(Williams) made a big three for Co-Lin.”

Swindle’s team is at Meridian Monday night. Co-Lin travels toGulf Coast at Perkinston Tuesday for South Division action.

Co-Lin 67, Southwest 63

Co-Lin (67) Ashley Murphy 17, Dominique Whitfield 13,Nikki Williams 11, Carter 4, Scott 6, Tillman 2, Collins 1,Davidson 5, Autman 4, Trahan 4.

Southwest (63) Yalanda Grady 15, Myoshi Pounds 11,Michelle Cochran 11, Cutrer 5, Armstrong 3, Morris 0, Fultz 4, Lee3, Gamble 2, Brumfield 1, Thompson 8.

Halftime: Co-Lin 40-34.

Total fouls: Co-Lin 15. Southwest 14. Fouledout-none.

Free Throws M-A: Co-Lin 11-15. Southwest9-19.

3-point goals: Co-Lin 6 (Murphy 5, Williams). Southwest6 (Cochran, Armstrong, Cutrer, Fultz, Grady, Lee).

Rebounds: Co-Lin 40 (Trahan 12). Southwest 31 (Pounds8).