HOBBS, N.M. — Xavier University of Louisiana men's basketball clinched second place in the Red River Athletic Conference regular season with a 53-49 victory Saturday against the University of the Southwest.
        The Gold Rush (19-7 overall, 18-6 conference) got 12 points from Lance Williams and 10 from J'Quan Ewing in winning for the eighth time in 10 games.
        XULA led 27-25 at halftime and stretched the lead to double digits thereafter.
        "Great response by our guys Thursday and today after the LSUA game," ninth-year head coach Alfred Williams said. "They played with pride and lots of defensive intensity. It's the home stretch of the season. We need that intensity every time we step on the floor."
        Anthony Scott scored 13 points for the Mustangs (14-11, 11-11), who lost two straight and four of their last five.
        This was XULA's final conference game, but there will be two games next week against longtime city rivals. The first will tip off at 8 p.m. Tuesday against Dillard in the Crosstown Classic at XULA's Convocation Center. The other will start at 7 p.m. Thursday at SUNO.