Late free throw gives Nuggets victory against Edward Waters

NEW ORLEANS — Essence Wells made the second of two free throws with 4.8 seconds remaining Monday to give Xavier University of Louisiana a 57-56 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference women’s basketball victory against Edward Waters.

The Gold Nuggets (11-9, 2-3) never trailed after a Wells 3-pointer gave XULA a 48-46 lead with 4:36 remaining, but the Lady Tigers (15-5, 3-3) tied the score at 56 on a Sha’Kawanza Brown basket with 20 seconds remaining. Le’Terra Ransom then fouled Wells on a drive to the basket, and Wells made the second free throw after missing the first.

Brown missed a 3-pointer as time expired.

Shaelynn Moore scored 17 points and Wells 11 for XULA. Moore made five 3-pointers, giving her 15 in the last three games, and also produced three assists and three steals. Gina Smith grabbed a season-best 11 rebounds.

Brown had 14 points, four assists and three steals for Edward Waters. Mia Leite scored 13, and La’quanza Glover had 12 points, 15 rebounds — nine offensive — and five assists.

The teams were tied at 27 at halftime, and Edward Waters led 43-41 through three quarters. Overall there were five ties and 10 lead changes.

“This was not one of our best games of the season,” XULA head coach Bo Browder said, “but we’re happy to get the win.”

The Gold Nuggets outshot the Lady Tigers 34.5 to 31.6 percent from the floor and outrebounded them 39-36 to snap a three-game home losing streak.

XULA will continue its home stand with a 3 p.m. Saturday game against Rust, which shares first place in the GCAC with Talladega.