NEW ORLEANS - Homecoming 2025 was a rousing success for the Gold Nuggets women's basketball team, who used an offensive explosion in the third quarter to pull to a 55-43 win over crosstown rival Dillard. 

Xavier (2-0) trailed 25-21 at the half, but outscored the Blue Devils (1-3) 20-6 in the third quarter to put the game effectively out of reach in the final frame. 

Senior guard/forward Alicia Blanton was the top performer for the Gold Nuggets, scoring 14 points, pulling seven rebounds, making three steals, and dishing out four assists. 

Sophomore guard Shania Swan added 12 points and four boards. 

Next up for XULA will be a visit to Marietta, Georgia, for the Running Eagles Classic. The Gold Nuggets will face hosting Life University on Friday at 5 p.m. CST.