JACKSON, Miss. � The Mississippi Sea Wolves scored three goals in the third period, to defeat the Jackson Bandits, 5-3.
With the win, the Sea Wolves remain in a three-way tie for first place in the Southwest Division with 24 points, along with Arkansas and Louisiana.
Jackson (9-10-0) opened the score at 6:49. John McNabb dropped a pass for Jeff Bes. The 10-year veteran Bes wired a shot over Greg Gardner�s right shoulder, making it 1-0 for Jackson. Bes, a former Sea Wolves player, scored his seventh of the year, and third against Mississippi this season.
Mississippi (11-5-2) responded later in the frame, as Travis Lisabeth pounced on a rebound and slid it past Tyrone Garner at 11:35, tying it 1-1.
In the second, the Sea Wolves came out flying. John Evangelista deposited his own rebound 50 seconds into the middle stanza, giving Mississippi a 2-1 lead.
But the Bandits bounced back with John McNabb cashing in his 11th of the season, making it 2-2, through 40 minutes.
Third period, Sea Wolves captain Steffon Walby scored a picture perfect goal. The veteran barged between two Jackson defenders, skated in alone and beat Garner with a backhand, giving Mississippi a lead it would not relinquish.
At the 8:04 mark, Mississippi rookie Jeff Hutchins potted a turnaround shot in the slot, giving the Sea Wolves a 4-2 advantage.
Bandits� Mike Vigilante responded by tipping a Billy Newson shot past Gardner, closing the Sea Wolves lead to 4-3.
But with time winding down, Walby broke in on another breakaway, Garner stopped him, Bowtell followed to bury his eighth goal of the campaign, making it 5-3 Mississippi. Bowtell�s marker extended his point streak to eight games.
Gardner made 22 saves on 25 shots, improving his record to 10-4-2. While Garner turned away 37-of-42 to drop his record to 6-6-0.
Mississippi converted on 1-of-8 power play opportunities. Jackson tallied on 1-of-4 chances with the man advantage.
Additional notes: Defenseman Jim Baxter picked up an assist on the Lisabeth goal, extending his point streak to 12 games ... Walby has points in six consecutive contests by scoring five goals and adding six assists during the streak ... Forward Dave Paradise had three assists in the Mississippi victory.
The Sea Wolves play host to Baton Rouge tomorrow at 5:05 p.m. at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. The contest is Game 4 of 12 for the Coca-Cola Cup. Mississippi leads the series six points to none. The first 1,000 fans will receive a free Roadhouse Grill puck. Adults purchasing a ticket, will get one free ticket for a child 12 and under.
Individual Sea Wolves game tickets are available at all TicketMaster locations, the Mississippi Coast Coliseum box office and by calling 228-594-3707.
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