MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Virgil Davison scored five of his 14 points in overtime Saturday to help Xavier University of Louisiana earn a 70-69 men's basketball victory against LeMoyne-Owen.
     The XULA men (3-0) will play their home opener at 7 p.m. Monday against Miles at the Convocation Center.
     Jalen David scored 11 points, Rayshawn Mart had 10 points and 11 rebounds, and Innocent Kukulu scored 10 for XULA. Joseph Williams grabbed a career-high 14 rebounds, and Elex Carter had a career-best 13. Kukulu and Davison made three 3-pointers apiece. It was homecoming for LeMoyne-Owen but also for Davison and Williams, who are Memphis natives.
     The Gold Rush led for approximately 9 1/2 minutes — there were 12 ties and 14 lead changes — and improved to 4-0 in overtime in Alfred Williams's two seasons as head coach.
     "Hard-fought battle," the XULA coach said. "It was a great team win, especially on the road. Virgil and Joseph came home and came through big at the right time."
     Rashawn Ellis scored 31 points and Daaron Maston 10 for LeMoyne-Owen, an NCAA Division II member which counted the game as an exhibition. XULA, however, counted the game in its regular-season record and statistics.
     LeMoyne Owen led 33-29 at halftime, and the teams were tied at 63 at the end of regulation. The Magicians missed two shots on the final possession.