NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana got 20 points from Kelsee Singleton and 14 from Gina Smith, both career highs, in a 72-59 women's basketball victory against Tougaloo Saturday.
     Singleton, a fifth-year senior center, made 7-of-8 free throws. Smith, a freshman forward, was 6-of-7 from the floor. Both players grabbed a game-high seven rebounds.
     Maya Trench added 12 points and four assists for the Gold Nuggets (10-6, 1-0 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference), who won their fourth straight and their seventh in the last eight games.
     Asia Thibodeaux and Jermani Thompson scored 19 points apiece for the Lady Bulldogs (4-4, 0-1), and Tynika Bender had 12 assists.
     XULA led 38-34 at halftime and extended its advantage to 54-43 through three quarters. The Gold Nuggets outshot Tougaloo 50.9 to 42.9 percent from the floor and made eight 3-pointers to tie a season high.
     XULA's next game will start at 5:30 pm. Jan. 16 at home against SUNO.