NEW ORLEANS — Mikayla Bates scored 12 points Wednesday, and Maya Trench and Kelsey Joseph produced career highs for Xavier University of Louisiana in a 74-64 women's basketball victory against Stillman.
     The Gold Nuggets (16-10) won their third in a row and snapped the 14-game win streak of the Lady Tigers (15-4), who had not lost since Nov. 17. XULA assured itself of a 16th consecutive winning season, which extends a school record.
     Bates also had seven rebounds and a game-high four steals. Trench had a career-best 11 assists, and Joseph scored a career-high 10 points. Bates, Joseph and Jalyn Hodge made two 3-pointers apiece, Jayla Nichols grabbed nine rebounds, and XULA matched a season high with eight made 3s.
     Victoria Douglas scored 15 points for Stillman, Michaia Fluellen had 13 points and 11 rebounds, and Jalicya Lowery scored 12.
     XULA trailed 37-31 at halftime, then outscored Stillman 43-27 in the second half. Joseph led the Gold Nuggets with eight second-half points.
     For the game XULA outshot Stillman 39.7 to 33.3 percent — 44.4 to 28 percent in the second half. Stillman outrebounded XULA 46-39, but the Gold Nuggets were plus-11 in turnovers, committing 18 and gaining 29. XULA had 21 steals, with eight Gold Nuggets collecting at least two.
     XULA will travel to city and Gulf Coast Athletic Conference rival Dillard for a 2 p.m. Saturday game.