LAKE WALES, Florida -- Freshmen Mikayla Bates and Joi Simmons combined for seven points during an early run Monday which jump-started NAIA No. 21 Xavier University of Louisiana in a 63-44 women's basketball victory at Warner.
For the first time in six years, the Gold Nuggets (2-0) have begun a season with back-to-back road victories. It’s the first time since the 2004-05 season that Xavier allowed fewer than 50 points in each of its first two games.
After the Royals (1-1) took their only lead with 1-of-2 free throws in the opening minute, Xavier seized control by outscoring Warner 13-1 during the next 6 1/2 minutes. Simmons made a pair of baskets, and Bates sank a 3-pointer during the run.
Bates, one of 10 Gold Nuggets to score, finished with 10 points. Simmons had nine points, six rebounds and three assists. Senior center Amara Person-Hampton scored a career-high-tying eight points, and Donyeah Mayfield grabbed 10 rebounds.
All-star guard Whitney Gathright, who scored 21 points in the opener Saturday, had six points, seven rebounds and six assists.
Mariah Williams had 11 points, five rebounds and four steals for Warner, an NAIA Division II member which lost 71-59 to Xavier in New Orleans last season.
Xavier outshot the Royals 37.9 to 25 percent from the floor and outrebounded them 47-38. The Gold Nuggets led 32-21 at halftime and outscored Warner 12-4 in the final 8 1/2 minutes.
The Gold Nuggets will play their home opener at 6 p.m. Saturday against LeMoyne-Owen in an exhibition game at the Convocation Center. It will follow a 4 p.m. men’s game between Xavier and Spring Hill. Both XU opponents are NCAA Division II members.
Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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