Franklin's career-high 18 helps XU Nuggets beat Spring Hill

SiMon Franklin

NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University of Louisiana's SiMon Franklin scored 13 of her career-high 18 points in the second half Tuesday in a 61-50 women's basketball victory against Spring Hill at XU's new Convocation Center.

The Gold Nuggets (2-0), ranked 11th in NAIA Division I, have a 12-game home winning streak, including both their games this season.

Franklin, a senior guard, had four assists, four steals and a blocked shot in 27 minutes. Xavier led 27-23 at halftime, but five consecutive Franklin points gave the Nuggets a 42-30 lead with 13:52 remaining. Angelica Alexander's basket with 2:45 remaining gave Xavier its biggest lead, 61-43.

Danielle Tucker scored 11 points, nine in the first half, and Whitney Gaston-Loyd eight for Xavier. Paige Gauthier led the Nuggets with career-highs of eight rebounds and six steals.

Jamesha Watkins scored 12 points for Spring Hill (1-4), which dropped its fourth in a row. Thirteen Badgers scored, but no one else had more than seven. April Bradford grabbed nine rebounds.

Gaston-Loyd's basket at 14:53 of the first half put Xavier ahead to stay at 8-6.

Both teams shot 38 percent from the floor. Xavier outshot Spring Hill 46.9 to 36 percent in the second half. Xavier outrebounded Spring Hill 37-34. The Nuggets committed 21 turnovers and gained 31.

Xavier's next game will start at noon Saturday against NAIA No. 5 Westminster (Utah) at the Convocation Center. It will be the first of three consecutive Xavier games against ranked opponents.

Box score

By Ed Cassiere, SID
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA