NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana got 21 points from Rayshawn Mart and 14 from Ed Carter in a 62-54 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference men's basketball victory Monday against Edward Waters.
     The Gold Rush (17-4, 5-0), ranked 15th in NAIA Division I, clinched a winning record for the 26th time in the last 29 seasons. XULA remained a half-game behind Tougaloo in the GCAC; the Bulldogs, playing at home, defeated Talladega 79-66.
     Mart, who reached 20 points for a team-leading ninth time this season, scored 16 second-half points. His basket with 4:23 remaining gave XULA its largest lead, 55-38.
     Carter scored his most points and made his most 3-pointers (4) since Oct. 30. He also produced a game- and season-high four steals.
     Makye Richard had nine points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals for XULA. William Loyd had seven points and eight rebounds, and TJ Jones had seven assists.
     Rasaad Morgan produced 13 points, nine rebounds and four blocks for the Tigers (9-9, 3-3), Dawan Bass scored 11 points, and Robert Thomas had 10 assists.
     XULA led 24-15 at intermission after scoring the Tigers 14-3 in the final 9 1/2 minutes of the half.
     "I'm glad we got this win," XULA head coach Alfred Williams said. "We didn't finish strongly after going up 17, so I have concerns about that. But we did some good things. We got 11 steals and rebounded the ball well. I'm happy for Ed Carter, who gave us a spark we needed."
     The XULA men have won seven straight — their longest streak since eight in the 2017-18 season — and 13 of their last 14 games. At home the Gold Rush have won six straight and 14 of the last 16 games.
     XULA will continue its home stand with a 5 p.m. Saturday game against GCAC opponent Rust.