Gold Rush crush Texas College, 79-54

NEW ORLEANS — Fifth-year star Makye Richard made five 3-pointers and scored 24 points Thursday to lead Xavier University of Louisiana in a 79-54 Red River Athletic Conference men’s basketball victory against Texas College.

The Gold Rush (13-4 overall, 4-3 RRAC) won for the second time in four days. They’ll play host to conference opponent Jarvis Christian at 4 p.m. Saturday.

Richard, an honorable-mention NAIA All-America guard last season, reached 20 points for the second straight game and the sixth time this season.

Lance Williams scored 16 points for XULA, and Nigel Allen had nine points and three steals. Kewon Freeman and Ryan Sanders scored 10 points apiece for the Steers (4-5, 0-1), playing their first RRAC game of January after six postponements.

“We’ll make up those games,” TC head coach Matt Cross said, “because I don’t want to forfeit.”

Cross’ Talladega College teams were a XULA nemesis in both schools’ former home, the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference. Talladega was 8-5 against XULA during Cross’ six seasons (2011-17). But XULA dominated a Cross-coached team this time, pulling away in the final 10 minutes of the first half for a 40-27 lead at the break. The Gold Rush extended the lead in the second half with the help of 6-of-12 3s.

XULA limited Texas College to 33.3 percent from the floor and was plus-7 in turnovers, committing 13 and gaining 20. A crowd of nearly 800, including all the XULA spirit groups, enjoyed the first home date this month that was open to fans — provided they had proof of COVID vaccination.

XULA won at home for the 30th time in its last 34 attempts.

The Gold Rush will visit Texas College Feb. 10. The next XULA opponent, Jarvis Christian, lost 74-60 Thursday at Louisiana Christian.