Browder gets 500th win at XULA as Gold Nuggets down Tougaloo, 65-53

NEW ORLEANS — Bo Browder secured his 500th victory as head coach of women’s basketball at Xavier University of Louisiana when his Gold Nuggets defeated Tougaloo 65-53 Wednesday at the Convocation Center.

Browder’s teams are 500-209 (.705) in 23 seasons, and this XULA team is 2-0 after a second consecutive wire-to-wire victory.

Nia Bishop and Destinee Pointer scored 11 points apiece for XULA, and Da’Jha Virgil had nine. Pointer made 3-of-4 3-pointers.

Morgan Hunter had 12 points, eight rebounds and three steals for Tougaloo (3-2), and Morgan Williams scored 11, including three 3-pointers. Berniya Hardin committed 11 of the Lady Bulldogs’ 30 turnovers.

XULA won despite committing 27 turnovers and missing 16 free throws in 35 attempts. XULA outshot Tougaloo 37.7 to 30.6 percent from the floor.

XULA defeated Tougaloo at XULA for the 40th consecutive time. Overall the Gold Nuggets won 73 of the last 78 meetings and lead the series 87-12.

Browder at XULA has coached 16 20-game winners, and 16 teams qualified for NAIA nationals. His teams in conference won eight regular-season championships and nine tournament championships. Browder was Louisiana Coach of the Year in the 2018-19 season.

XULA will play city rival Dillard at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Convocation Center in the opener of a homecoming doubleheader.