MERIDIAN – Clutch free throw shooting and strong defense late in the game powered the Co-Lin Wolves to a 73-69 over the Meridian Eagles Monday night. It was the second straight win for the Wolves (6-16, 4-9).

Co-Lin travels to Mississippi Gulf Coast for the final regular season game on Thursday.

Late in the first half of play the game tied for the seventh time at 28-28. This reflected how the entire first half of played out. Both teams played well, and neither could grab an edge. The Wolves carried a 31-28 lead into the locker room.

At the start of the second half of play the Wolves lead extended to six, the largest lead of game, but it was quickly wiped away by Meridian. With just under five minutes to play the game was again tied. Co-Lin went on a 6-0 run to gain the final that clinched the game.

“We’ve played hard, and I think we had a little luck,” said Co-Lin head coach Kenny Bizot. “Our guys were alert, especially in the second half. I’m just so proud of these guys.”

Darius Kennedy led the Wolves with 24 points, 6-for-9 from behind the arc, and seven rebounds. Freshman Jonathon Dalton added another 21 points and five assists. Donte’ Watson poured in another 14 points. Chris Williams led the team with 12 rebounds.

Ken’darrius Hamilton led the Eagles with a game-high 31 points and grabbed 17 rebounds. Deven Paicely-Smith added another 10 points. Ashton Pierce and Tevin Smith each netted nine for the Eagles.

Co-Lin shot 41 percent (23-of-56) from the field, 33 percent (7-of-21) from beyond the arc, and 57 percent (20-of-35) from the free throw line. Meridian shot 38 percent (25-of-66) from the field, 29 percent (6-of-21) from three-point range, and 52 percent (13-of-25) from the foul line.