Gold Nuggets defend again, defeat Mustangs 56-41

NEW ORLEANS — Shylia McGee’s 15 points and 10 rebounds Saturday helped Xavier University of Louisiana defeat Southwest (N.M.) 56-41 in Red River Athletic Conference women’s basketball.

It was the second consecutive game and the third time this season that the Gold Nuggets (12-7 overall, 6-5 RRAC) allowed fewer than 50 points. XULA limited the Mustangs (3-15, 1-11) to their fewest points in a game this season.

McGee produced her team-leading fourth double-double this season. She was XULA’s only player with double-figure points.

Nia Bishop had nine points, nine rebounds and five steals for XULA, and Rayna Ross grabbed a career-high and a game-high-tying 11 rebounds.

Sierra Smith produced her ninth double-double of the season — 18 points and 11 rebounds — for Southwest. Smith entered with an NAIA-leading 16.5 rebounds per game. She reached double-figure rebounds for the ninth consecutive game and the 15th time in 18 games this season.

XULA led 35-19 at halftime.

XULA outshot the Mustangs 34 to 29.4 percent from the floor and outrebounded them 50-27. XULA made 18-of-21 free throws to Southwest’s 9-of-17. XULA’s Abryhia Irons, the RRAC leader in free-throw accuracy, made 6-of-7 and is 66-of-78 — 84.6 percent — for the season.

Next for XULA: 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Louisiana Christian in an RRAC game. The Gold Nuggets and Wildcats are tied for fourth place in the conference.