Gold Rush rally, then hold on to defeat Rams 73-70

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana erased a 16-point first-half deficit, then held on Monday for a 73-70 men’s basketball victory against Mobile.

The Gold Rush (6-2) won for the second time in three days. The XULA men are 3-0 at home this season.

Jeff Dixon, one of four XULA players to score in double figures, had career highs of 19 points and eight assists. Mike Williams scored 12 points, and Rayshawn Mart and Jalen David had 11 apiece.

Tony-Toni Wright scored 16 points for the Rams (2-4), who lost their fourth in a row. Andre Elam scored 14 points, and JaBarie Escoffery had 10.

XULA trailed 23-7 through 10 minutes, then rallied to grab a 33-27 halftime lead. A Joseph Williams basket gave the Gold Rush a 61-46 lead with 7:06 remaining. Mobile got as close as 71-70 and missed two 3-pointers on the final possession.