Gold Nuggets handed 1st loss of season by Keiser

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Xavier University of Louisiana’s unbeaten streak in women’s basketball ended Friday afternoon when Keiser defeated the Gold Nuggets 76-70 in the opening game of the Keiser New Year’s Classic.

The Seahawks dominated at the line, making 24-of-38 free throws to the Gold Nuggets’ 8-of-12. XULA attempted four free throws in the final three quarters. XULA entered No. 2 in the NAIA with 27.7 free-throw attempts per game.

Taylor Dewitt scored 24 points and Sierra Headquist 17, both season highs, for XULA (7-1). Elliana Schaefer scored 16 points, Julia Fitzwater 14, Elise Ellison 13 and Mimmi Hahne and Kyra Long 10 apiece for Keiser (7-6).

XULA spent less than five minutes with the lead. Zaria Harleaux’s layup at 4:36 of the third quarter gave the Gold Nuggets their final lead, 48-46. Fitzwater’s 3-pointer at 7:06 of the fourth quarter put the Seahawks ahead to stay 60-57 and launched a 12-2 run.

Consecutive Jordyn Manning 3-pointers in the final 25 seconds got XULA as close as 73-70, but Keiser clinched with 3-of-4 free throws thereafter.

XULA began the day as one of six unbeaten NAIA women’s teams.

The Gold Nuggets will play at 2:30 p.m. EST Saturday in this event against Florida Memorial.