HOBBS, N.M - Xavier's women's basketball notched its first conference win of the season here Saturday with an 80-53 rout of the Southwest Mustangs. 

As the score suggests, the Gold Nuggets (4-4, 1-2 RRAC) were on fire offensively, shooting 55 percent from the field and 60 percent from 3-point range, including a 90-percent effort from the field in the first quarter. 

After taking a 33-27 lead into the break, Xavier outscored Southwest (4-7, 0-5 RRAC) 47-26 in the second. 

Defensively, the Gold Nuggets were sterling, holding the Mustangs to 33 percent shooting from the field and 24 percent from 3-point range and forcing 13 turnovers. 

A quartet of Xavier players reached double-figure scoring on the day. Alicia Blanton and Fatima Black led the way with 17 points apiece. Blanton added 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Black, who came off the bench, had 6 rebounds, an assist, and a steal. 

Shania Swan scored 13 points and pulled 6 rebounds, while Fatima Katembo added 10 points and 5 boards. 

The Gold Nuggets return home for their next game, a Dec. 18 Red River Athletic Conference showdown with Our Lady of the Lake. Tipoff will be at 5:30 p.m. XULA will follow with a  1 p.m., Dec. 20 RRAC contest against Texas A&M San Antonio. 

Live video for both games will be available at the Xavier Athletics YouTube channel.