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.