NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana pulled away in the second half Monday for a 67-57 women's basketball victory against Louisiana Christian in the Red River Athletic Conference opener for both teams.
        Shylia McGee scored 14 points, Nia Bishop 12 and Ashanti LaVergne 10 for the Gold Nuggets (6-1), who earned their fifth consecutive victory.
        McGee led the Gold Nuggets with eight rebounds and five assists, and she and teammate Jaleah LaFargue had four steals apiece. Abryhia Irons had a game-high five steals, giving her 13 in XULA's last two games.
        XULA outscored the Wildcats 45-33 in the second half after trailing 24-22 at halftime. Two Bishop free throws with 4:02 remaining gave the Gold Nuggets their largest lead, 65-50.
        Miya McKinney had 12 points and nine rebounds for Louisiana Christian (2-4).