Talladega beats XULA, clinches tie for GCAC title

NEW ORLEANS — Talladega limited Xavier University of Louisiana to 30.5 percent shooting from the floor Tuesday in a 61-49 win in Gulf Coast Athletic Conference men’s basketball group play.

The Tornadoes (19-2, 5-0), ranked 14th in the NAIA, clinched a tie for the GCAC regular-season championship and can win it outright with a victory against Dillard in a 2:30 p.m. Wednesday matchup. XULA (8-3, 4-1) could gain a share of that title if it defeats Edward Waters in a 5 p.m. game and Dillard beats Talladega.

Rayshawn Mart, with 18 points, was XULA’s only double-figure scorer. Mart also had seven rebounds, two assists and five steals.

Paul Turner scored 14 points and Trevon Adams 12 for Talladega. Amir Yusuf grabbed 10 rebounds and blocked three shots. Adams made 4-of-8 3-pointers.

Talladega led 35-21 at halftime.

All three games at XULA were double-digit decisions. Philander Smith beat Tougaloo 87-65, then Dillard defeated Edward Waters 103-88.