LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Xavier University of Louisiana couldn't capitalize on a six-point halftime lead Monday and fell to its fifth consecutive loss in women's basketball, 69-55 to Philander Smith.
     The Gold Nuggets (7-10, 0-5 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference) got 17 points, a career high, and nine rebounds from DeDe Martinez. Gina Smith recorded her second straight double-double, 11 points and 10 rebounds, and Maya Trench had 10 points, six rebounds and three assists.
     Terralynn Dominick and Princess Cole scored 18 points apiece for the Lady Panthers (11-7, 4-1), who took sole possession of first place in the GCAC, and Honchea Thornton had 12.
     XULA led 34-28 at halftime after shooting 44.8 percent from the floor, then shot 17.9 percent in the second half and was outscored 41-21 in that period.
     XULA matched its longest losing streak of the last 15 seasons. The Gold Nuggets also lost five in a row in November 2002 and November 2016.
     The Gold Nuggets will play city and GCAC rival SUNO at 5:30 p.m. next Monday at XULA's Convocation Center. It will be the Nuggets' first home game since Dec. 18.