Gold Nuggets roll past UVI in Xavier Classic

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana scored a wire-to-wire 76-30 women’s basketball victory Sunday against the University of the Virgin Islands in the Xavier Classic.

The Gold Nuggets (6-3) got a pair of 3-pointers from Essence Wells during a 14-1 run in the first four minutes. XULA led 39-13 at halftime and 60-21 through three quarters.

Dasia Pitre, in her season debut, and Ireyon Keith scored 12 points apiece for XULA. Gina Smith had 11 points and nine rebounds, and Wells scored 10. Maya Trench had a season-high-tying nine assists.

Aizia Travis scored 12 points for UVI (0-7), a first-year NAIA member.

XULA outshot UVI 37.7 to 20.4 percent from the floor and outrebounded the Buccaneers 57-31. XULA made 19-of-22 free throws to UVI’s 6-of-14. The Gold Nuggets committed a season-high-tying 25 turnovers but gained 30.

Pitre made 8-of-8 free throws, the best performance by a Gold Nugget this season.

XULA will play NAIA No. 9 Lindsey Wilson at 5 p.m. Monday. Lindsey Wilson lost 59-54 to 20th-ranked Dillard, which will play UVI at 3 p.m. Monday.