Nuggets lose luster in second half at Philander Smith

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas — Xavier University of Louisiana couldn't capitalize on a six-point halftime lead Monday and fell to its fifth consecutive loss in women's basketball, 69-55 to Philander Smith.

The Gold Nuggets (7-10, 0-5 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference) got 17 points, a career high, and nine rebounds from DeDe Martinez. Gina Smith recorded her second straight double-double, 11 points and 10 rebounds, and Maya Trench had 10 points, six rebounds and three assists.\

Terralynn Dominick and Princess Cole scored 18 points apiece for the Lady Panthers (11-7, 4-1), who took sole possession of first place in the GCAC, and Honchea Thornton had 12.

XULA led 34-28 at halftime after shooting 44.8 percent from the floor, then shot 17.9 percent in the second half and was outscored 41-21 in that period.

XULA matched its longest losing streak of the last 15 seasons. The Gold Nuggets also lost five in a row in November 2002 and November 2016.

The Gold Nuggets will play city and GCAC rival SUNO at 5:30 p.m. next Monday at XULA's Convocation Center. It will be the Nuggets' first home game since Dec. 18.

BOX SCORE

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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