Duling scores 30, leads Dillard past Gold Rush

NEW ORLEANS — Senior guard Kenyon Duling scored 22 of his 30 points in the second half Monday to lead Dillard to a 78-67 men’s basketball victory against Xavier University of Louisiana at Dillard’s Dent Hall.

Duling was 8-of-12 from the floor, 4-of-7 on 3-pointers and 10-of-11 from the line to help the Bleu Devils (4-1) extend their win streak to three.

Cory Wells scored 14 points, Xavier Reaves had 11 points and a season-high 15 rebounds, and Lance Williams scored 11 for the Gold Rush (4-2). XULA has dropped two straight since climbing into the NAIA rankings at No. 25 five days ago.

Dillard led 31-30 at halftime. The Bleu Devils led 57-56 after Williams’ 3-point play with 6:25 remaining, but the Bleu Devils clinched the game by scoring 13 of the next 14 points.

The Gold Rush have dropped five straight to Dillard at Dent Hall. XULA will have the rest of the week off and will open its Red River Athletic Conference schedule at 7:30 p.m. next Monday against Louisiana Christian at the Convocation Center.