WESSON – The Co-Lin Lady Wolves captured their first win of the season with a 78-62 victory over the Holmes Lady Bulldogs Thursday night in JUCO basketball action in Graydon L. Mullen Gymnasium.

In men’s action, the Wolves (0-2) battled hard but fell short at the end as the Holmes Bulldogs escaped with a 74-70 victory.

Co-Lin resumes action Monday when they visit Baton Rouge to battle the Louisiana-based Bears for a pair of games. The women’s tip-off is at 5 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 7.

Co-Lin 78, Holmes 62

From start to finish, the Lady Wolves and Lady Bulldogs battled back and forth in a physical contest. Co-Lin held a slim 33-30 lead at halftime.

In the second half, Co-Lin came out strong and overpowered Holmes with their aggressive defense and offense.

Freshmen guard Claresa Banks was the offensive leader for the Lady Wolves as she led four players in double figures with 18 points. Jessica Wilson fueled the charge with 16 points. Ashley Minor contributed 13 points and Tyrisha Patterson had 10 points, while leading on the boards with five rebounds.

“Glad to get the win,” said Co-Lin women’s coach Gwyn Young. “In the first half, we came out and played pretty well in spurts, which allow Holmes to stay in the game.

“In the second half, we came out and picked up the tempo both offensively and defensively. We limited the Lady Bulldogs to just one shot on defense and played good enough on offense to get the victory.”

Freshmen guard Carmesha Nails paced the Lady Bulldogs with a game-high 22 points and five steals. Vonkesha Miller provided 16 points. Tayanna Purnell collected seven rounds to lead Holmes.

The Lady Bulldogs (1-2) are coached by Jamilah Andrews.

Holmes 74, Co-Lin 70 

In the men’s action, the game was similar to the women’s game as both teams fought back and forth in a close contest. The Wolves secured a brief 36-34 lead at halftime.

In the second half, Holmes and Co-Lin continued their defensive battle until the closing minutes as the Bulldogs pulled away and held off the Wolves late surge to claimed the win.

“The Wolves had three players scored in double figures. Freshman guard LaJustin Anderson led the Pack with a game-high 20 points. Chris Steverson contributed 15 points. Terry Morris provided 10 points. Jordan Lumpkin was the top rebounder with seven rebounds.

“I was very pleased with my guys’ efforts,” said Co-Lin’s new men’s coach Kenny Bizot. “We are improving a lot as a team but just cannot turn the corner just yet. Overall, the guys played hard and handles Holmes’ pressure in tough situations.”

Dayshawn Watkins directed the Bulldogs’ offensive attack with 17 points. Patrick Banks netted 11 points and seven rebounds.

The Holmes Bulldogs (2-1) are coached by Jason Flanigan.