XU Gold Rush get defensive with William Carey again

NEW ORLEANS — Chris Iles scored nine of his 11 points in the second half Monday to help NAIA No. 25 Xavier University of Louisiana earn a 63-47 men's basketball victory against William Carey.

The Gold Rush (16-6) won for the ninth time in 11 games and the sixth consecutive time at The Barn. The Crusaders (9-13) lost for the seventh time in nine games.

Iles, who had six assists and made all three of his 3-point attempts, was the only Xavier player to reach double figures. But 10 of Iles' 12 teammates scored, including walk-on freshman Gil Mathieu with season highs of eight points and three steals. Cordell Hadnot and Nick Haywood scored seven points apiece.

Roderick Little scored 13 points and Donzedrick Smith 10 for William Carey.

Xavier led 27-15 at halftime after limiting the Crusaders to 2-for-14 from the floor. Xavier held a double-digit lead for the final 19:02 and had its biggest advantage, 57-36, after Haywood made two free throws with 5:16 remaining.

The Gold Rush outshot William Carey 37 to 28.2 percent from the floor. It was the second time this season the Gold Rush limited the Crusaders to less than 30 percent. The XU defense allowed less than 50 points for the second straight game and the fifth time this season. Xavier made 8-of-14 3-pointers for a season-best 57.1 percent.

William Carey has lost seven straight on opponents' courts.

Xavier will play the University of New Orleans at 7 p.m. Wednesday at The Barn. It will be the final Gold Rush non-conference game of the regular season.

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By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

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