No. 14 LSUA defeats No. 19 XULA, 88-82

ALEXANDRIA, La. — LSU-Alexandria’s A.J. Rainey and Jakemin Abney exploited Xavier University of Louisiana’s nationally ranked defense Thursday, combining for 52 points in an 88-82 Red River Athletic Conference men’s basketball victory.

The Gold Rush — 11-3 overall, 2-2 RRAC and No. 19 in the NAIA coaches poll — entered the game No. 2 in the NAIA in scoring defense (56.1 points allowed per game) and field-goal percentage defense (.340). But the Generals — 12-1, 3-0 and ranked 14th — shot 51.9 percent from the floor and became the first XULA opponent this season to reach 70 points or shoot better than 41 percent.

Rainey overshadowed his eight turnovers with 31 points, including 12-of-15 free throws. He reached 30 points for the fourth time this season and the second consecutive game. Abney scored 21 points, including a season-best 5-of-7 3-pointers.

Makye Richard had 21 points and nine rebounds for XULA, and TJ Jones, Jalen King and Jeremy Lindsey scored 10 points apiece. Lindsey’s total was a season high. Corey Dunning grabbed eight rebounds.

XULA led 22-18 in the 13th minute, but a 15-2 run sparked LSUA to a 42-37 halftime lead. The Gold Rush regained the lead by scoring the first nine points of the second half.

LSUA led the final 3:30 and improved to 7-0 all-time against the Gold Rush. They’ll meet again Feb. 3 at XULA’s Convocation Center.

XULA will stay on the road and play LSU-Shreveport in an RRAC game at 4 p.m. Saturday.