NEW ORLEANS - XULA's men's basketball team began its campaign in style, downing Southern University of New Orleans 82-64 on Oct. 29. 

The score was tied at 37 at the half, but the Gold Rush offense found an even higher gear in the second period and Xavier outscored SUNO (1-1) 45-27 en route to a comfortable win. 

Senior guard Bentravin Phillips led all scorers with 27 points. He added four assists, three rebounds, and a steal. 

Seviuhn Turner and Nasir DeGruy also reached double-figure scoring for XULA. 

Turner scored 19 points, pulled eight rebounds, made six steals, and dished out five assists, while DeGruy was good for 16 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.