Gold Rush 180 produces 19th victory of season

HOBBS, N.M. — For the first time in three years, Xavier University of Louisiana men’s basketball followed a double-digit home defeat with a double-digit road victory.

The Gold Rush won 75-60 Thursday at the University of the Southwest — XULA’s eighth victory in its last nine games. But more importantly, the Rush rebounded quickly after an 87-77 home loss Monday to Louisiana Christian.

“We actually played defense,” XULA head coach Alfred Williams said. “We paid attention to the scouting report. There was more spirit, we played smarter, and we played more as a team.”

XULA, which entered the game No. 3 in the NAIA in scoring defense, limited Southwest to its fewest points in a game this season.

On offense the Gold Rush (19-5 overall, 10-4 Red River Athletic Conference) had four double-figure scorers. Makye Richard had 17 points, and collecting 11 points apiece were Jalen King and brothers Cameron Wells and Cory Wells.

Richard made all three of XULA’s 3-pointers. He hit those in the first half to help the Gold Rush take a 40-28 halftime lead.

Southwest is 10-13 overall and 6-7 in the RRAC.

The double-digit victory was XULA’s 14th this season. But the two teams ahead of the Gold Rush in the RRAC standings also produced double-digit victories Thursday. LSU-Shreveport won 91-65 at home against Jarvis Christian, and LSU-Alexandria won 106-68 at home against Texas College.

LSUS is 11-2 in the RRAC, and LSUA is 9-3. XULA split a pair of games with both this season.

XULA will bus to Dallas Friday and play RRAC opponent Paul Quinn at 4 p.m. Saturday. Paul Quinn is not eligible for the RRAC regular-season championship or a berth in the RRAC or NAIA tournaments, but the Tigers have been stellar. They’re 22-1 overall and are the RRAC’s only unbeaten team at home (9-0).

XULA individual points vs. Southwest: Makye Richard 17, Jalen King 11, Cameron Wells 11, Cory Wells 11, Jeremy Lindsey 7, Lance Williams 6, Corey Dunning 5, TJ Jones 4, Chris Ward 2, Joseph Scott 1