WESSON — The final home game of the regular season didn’t endas Co-Lin men’s head basketball coach Dennis Sims would haveliked.

In stead of a win, the Wolves were handed an 80-69 beating atthe hands of the Jones County Bobcats.

Co-Lin (No. 2) will play Monday in the opening round of theState Tournament being held at Northwest Community College inSenatobia. Semifinals are Wednesday and championship finals areThursday in the Northwest Community College gymnasium.

The Wolves (15-7, 10-4) never got out of the starting gate. Theygot behind early in the first half, trailing as much as 19-7 at the11:46 mark. The Bulldogs pushed their lead to 32-18 with 5:32left.

At the half, Jones County held a seven point, 41-34 lead overCo-Lin.

“We got what we deserved,” said Co-Lin men’s head coach DennisSims after Thursday night’s game. “We had a lack of intensity andenthusiasm. We missed too many layups under the basket. Some guysgave no effort.”

In the second half, Co-Lin chipped away at the lead and finallytrimmed Jones County’s lead to five points, 51-46, with 11:01 leftto play. A field goal by sophomore forward Arvel Keys cut thedeficit to three points, 51-48, with 10:01 showing. Jones Countyfreshman guard James Bender nailed a trey to push the lead back upto five points, 54-48, as the Wolves could get no closer theremainder of the game.

Powering Coach Robert McInnis’ Bobcats with a game-high 31points ( 5 treys), 6 rebounds and 3 steals was sophomore guardDuran Eckford. Sophomore wing Prince Trotter fired in 21 points andgrabbed 8 rebounds. Bender followed with 14 points and SkylerCulberson finished with 13 points, 8 rebounds and 5 steals.

The Wolves were led by freshman center Christian Marshall with24 points and 10 rebounds. Marshall was a perfect 8-for-8 from thefree throw line. Also finishing in double figures was sophomorecenter Lamar Hall with 12 points. Joe Holliday pulled down 9rebounds and made 3 steals.