Gold Rush defeated in exhibition at NCAA Division I Southern Miss

HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Xavier University of Louisiana led for most of the first 5 1/2 minutes before Southern Miss stormed back for a 76-45 men’s basketball victory Wednesday.

It was an exhibition for the Gold Rush, ranked 22nd in the NAIA, but the Golden Eagles of NCAA Division I counted the game in their records and statistics.

Jathen Ross and Cory Wells scored 10 points apiece for XULA (3-0). Donovan Ivory and Cobie Montgomery scored 11 points apiece for Southern Miss (2-1).

Wells and Ross made 3-pointers to give XULA a 6-2 lead, but Mo Arnold’s free throw at 13:35 put Southern Miss ahead to stay at 9-8. Runs of 9-0 and 8-0 helped the Golden Eagles lead 41-20 at halftime.

Southern Miss outscored XULA 17-2 in the first seven minutes of the second half.

Southern Miss outshot XULA 43 to 25 percent from the floor and was plus-19 in rebounds and plus-8 in turnovers.

Wells and teammate Chris Ward grabbed six rebounds apiece.

XULA announced Wednesday the postponement of its Crosstown Classic doubleheader with Dillard. Next for the Gold Rush will be NAIA No. 8 Freed-Hardeman at 4 p.m. CST Monday in the Battle at the Beach at Panama City, Fla.