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     DENTON, Texas — Xavier University of Louisiana, in the first of two women's basketball games in three days in the Lone Star State, lost 68-31 Wednesday to North Texas.
     The Gold Nuggets led 5-0 through the first 3 1/2 minutes and 12-9 during the ninth minute. But the Mean Green (2-2) responded with a 17-2 run and never lost the lead thereafter.
     XULA still was within striking distance at halftime — it trailed 31-22 — but shot 13 percent during a second half in which it was outscored 37-9.
     Essence Wells, with 10 points, was the only Gold Nugget to score more than four. She made a pair of 3-pointers and had three steals. Nahrie Pierce grabbed seven rebounds, and Da'Jha Virgil and Kyla Duncan had two steals apiece.
     Anisha George had 15 points and 10 rebounds for North Texas, and Destinee McDowell — playing just 18 1/2 minutes — had 11 points, nine rebounds, eight steals, three assists and three blocks.
     The Gold Nuggets (6-4) played the game as an exhibition, but North Texas counted it in its records and statistics.
     North Texas outshot XULA 46.4 to 24.5 percent from the floor overall and had a 47-31 rebound advantage. The Mean Green made 11-of-20 free throws to the Gold Nuggets' 3-of-14. North Texas committed 16 turnovers and gained 21.
     North Texas tied its school record for fewest points allowed in a game.
     XULA will visit Huston-Tillotson (3-2) at 4:30 p.m. Friday in Austin. It will be a rematch of a Nov. 11 game the Gold Nuggets won 69-67 at their Convocation Center.