It was the season opener for both teams and a rematch of a second-round game at last season's NAIA Division I National Championship, which Campbellsville won 59-55.
Xavier tied the score at 56 on a Vinnie Briggs basket with 4:15 remaining, then Owen answered 11 seconds with her fourth 3-pointer of the game to put the Lady Tigers ahead to stay. Owen made her final 3-pointer at 1:16 for a 69-60 advantage.
Briggs scored 17 points, Eliqua Brooks 13 and Alesha Smith 10 for the Gold Nuggets. Brooks, a junior in her XU debut, made all three of her team's 3-pointers. Briggs also led the Nuggets with six rebounds and three steals.
Xavier trailed 16-3 through seven minutes before rallying to take its only lead, 20-19, on Daylin Boatner's free throw at 5:43. Campbellsville led 31-25 at halftime, but the Lady Tigers did not regain a double-digit lead until the final 45 seconds.
Xavier shot 51.6 percent from the floor in the second half and outshot Campbellsville 43.1 to 36.4 percent for the game. The Lady Tigers dominated at the line, making 26-of-37 free throws to Xavier's 9-of-13. Owen made all nine of her free throws in the closing run.
Xavier, opening the season with four consecutive ranked opponents, will play No. 9 Bethel (Tenn.) at 2 p.m. Saturday in the final game of this event. Bethel defeated Harris-Stowe 74-40 in the other game Friday.
Box score
Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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