Southwest Mississippi’s Dominant First Half Leads to Win Over Coahoma

Southwest Mississippi’s men’s basketball team defeated Coahoma 72-63 in a home game on February 9, improving to 6-2 in conference play, according to team sources.

The Bears started the game with an aggressive offensive and defensive effort. A slam by Cy Merrett sparked an 8-0 run early in the first quarter. Southwest’s defense was stifling, holding Coahoma scoreless for the first five minutes of the game and nearly seven minutes in the first half. The Bears led 30-9 at halftime.

In the second half, the Tigers responded as their offense improved. Southwest adjusted to a full-court press from Coahoma, which resulted in 25 free throws for the Bears. They made 17 of those attempts. Offensively, Chidi Nwosu contributed with a slam and a key block, leading to a basket by Courterius Scott. Scott and Merrett led the final push, scoring six of the last seven points for the Bears in the final 6 minutes and 12 seconds.

Scott finished with 19 points, while Merrett and Nwosu each scored 16. The pair combined for 14 free throws. Head coach Corey Schmidt emphasized the importance of maintaining focus, saying, “We have to lock in and make sure we are ready to go,” referring to upcoming road games.

The Bears will travel to Booneville on February 12 to face Northeast Mississippi. They aim to carry their momentum forward and improve on their recent road performance, according to team officials.

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