Gold Rush take sole possession of first place in GCAC

TALLADEGA, Ala. — Jalen David scored a season-high 21 points Monday to lead Xavier University of Louisiana to a 69-55 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference men’s basketball victory against Talladega.

The Gold Rush (14-4, 3-0) grabbed sole possession of first place in the GCAC. XULA has won eight straight, its longest streak since since winning eight in a row Jan. 10-Feb. 5, 2015.

David — a 6-foot-4 senior who was second-team all-conference last season — was 8-of-12 from the floor and 4-of-6 from the line. He led the Gold Rush with six rebounds.

Jeff Dixon scored 13 points, 11 in the second half, and had six assists with no turnovers for XULA. Elex Carter blocked three shots.

Arcuas McGhee scored 13 points, all in the second half, and Devonte Dixon had 10 for the Tornadoes (12-6, 3-1), who entered the game with a half-game lead over XULA. Myles Howard had eight assists.

XULA limited Talladega to its second-fewest points at home since Talladega rejoined the NAIA in the summer of 2010. XULA won at Talladega for the first time in five years.

The Gold Rush will play NAIA No. 24 William Carey in a non-conference game at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at XULA’s Convocation Center. The next NAIA coaches poll will be revealed Tuesday afternoon.