MOBILE, Ala. — Xavier University of Louisiana women's basketball started strongly Saturday before falling 70-62 to the University of Mobile.
     The Gold Nuggets (2-2) scored the first seven points, then took a 13-2 lead on O.C. Mbakop Ngassam's basket at 4:39 of the first quarter. But the Lady Rams (1-1) scored the final seven points of that period and took their first lead, 20-19, when Artasia McDowell made 1-of-2 free throws at 6:27 of the second quarter.
     XULA lost to Mobile for the first time in eight meetings.
     The teams will meet again at 3 p.m. Dec. 17 at XULA's Convocation Center.
     Next for the Gold Nuggets will be a 6 p.m. Monday home game against the University of the Virgin Islands.