NEW ORLEANS — Finally, Xavier University of Louisiana defeated LSU-Alexandria in men's basketball.
        The Gold Rush limited the Generals, ranked 11th in the NAIA, to 30 percent shooting from the floor in a 69-54 home victory Thursday. Makye Richard scored 17 points and Jeremy Lindsey a career-high-tying 16 for XULA (15-4 overall, 6-3 Red River Athletic Conference), which won its fourth straight. TJ Jones tied his career high of 12 assists, and Corey Dunning grabbed 10 rebounds.
        XULA lost its first seven games against LSUA, including an 88-82 decision Jan. 22.
        "We played defense this time," XULA head coach Alfred Williams said. "We had better focus this time. That's what turned it for us. Our guys were locked in."
        Additional XULA contributors were Jalen King with eight points and seven rebounds, Cory Wells with eight points, six rebounds and three blocks, Cory's brother Cameron Wells with six points, eight rebounds and three steals, and freshman Joseph Scott with a season-high eight points.
        For LSUA (14-4, 5-3), Christian Coleman had 14 points and nine rebounds. The Generals lost for the third time in their last four games.
        XULA limited the Generals to their second-fewest points in a game. In its first season of varsity competiton, LSUA lost 55-47 to Cumberlands in the opening round of NAIA nationals in 2015. LSUA entered Thursday No. 10 in the NAIA wth 85.5 poimts per game.
        Next for the Gold Rush wlll be a 4 p.m. Saturday home game against RRAC leader LSU-Shreveport. The Pilots are 8-1 in conference, including a 70-60 home victory against XULA Jan. 22.