FULTON – Claresa Banks pumped in a game-high double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds to direct the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Lady Wolves to a 58-45 victory over the Itawamba Lady Indians Thursday night in JUCO basketball action.

In the men’s game, an 18-point performance by Co-Lin’s Chris Steverson helped guide four players in double figures as the Wolves secured an 84-77 win over the Indians. Co-lin’s victory ended Itawamba’s four-game winning streak.

The Wolves and Lady Wolves will return to action Monday as they prepare to host their archrival, the Southwest Bears and Lady Bears, for a huge divisional test. The women tip off at 6 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 8.

The Lady Wolves (7-4, 0-2) and the Lady Indians battled in a tough defensive contest in the first half as the Itawamba carried a slim 24-23 lead into halftime.

In the second half, Co-Lin managed to overcome the sluggishness to play much better as they outscored the Lady Indians 35-21 to capture the win.

“We played sluggishly offensively in the first half against a very tough defensive team,” said Co-Lin women coach Gwyn Young. “In the last 12 minutes of the first half, our offense managed to came around and cut down Itawamba’s lead to one point at the half.

“In the second, our offense and defense were clicking, and we managed to take the game over with our game plan,” continued Young. “Overall, I was pleased with our effort, and this was a good win on the road.”

Tyra Gibson was the second leading scorer for the Lady Wolves with 10 points. Ashley Minor and Jessica Wilson helped on the boards with eight rebounds apiece.

LyTia Coleman was the top offensive leader for the Lady Indians (6-6, 2-0) with 10 points. Latoya Collins was the leader on the boards with nine rebounds.

 The Wolves (4-7, 0-2),  came out on fire and quickly set the tone in the first half as the Wolves went into halftime with a 42-30 lead.

Co-Lin connected on 60 percent from the floor while the Indians only managed 37 percent shooting on the night.

Terry Morris contributed 14 points to help lead the Wolves to the win. Jordan Lumpkins provided 11 and Ricky Kelly had 10 points. Eric Smith controlled the Boards for Co-Lin with eight rebounds.

Jonathan McGee paced the Indians with 16 points. Tyrone Wooten had 14, Alex Anderson 13, and Tory Rice added his second-straight double-double performance with 11 points and 11 rebounds.