HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — Xavier University of Louisiana men's basketball led at halftime before losing 88-87 in overtime Thursday at Oakwood.
The Gold Rush (13-10) will stay on the road for Gulf Coast Athletic Conference games against Talladega at 5 p.m. Saturday and Edward Waters at 7:30 p.m. EST Monday.
Damani Flanagain scored a season-high 22 points for XULA. William Loyd scored 20, Rayshawn Mart had 12, and Anfernee King scored nine. Flanagain produced 15 first-half points to lead the Gold Rush to a 41-36 advantage at the break.
It was the second straight game that Flanagain produced a season high. He scored 16 Monday in a GCAC victory at SUNO. Loyd reached 20 points for a team-leading fourth time this season.
The teams were tied at 83 at the end of regulation.
Michael Middleton made four 3-pointers and scored 22 points, Talik Talton scored 20, and Xa'Zavier Jones had 18 for the Ambassadors (8-11), who are ranked fifth the United States Collegiate Athletic Association. It was Oakwood's seventh victory this season against an NAIA Division I opponent — previous conquests included Talladega, Lindsey Wilson and Martin Methodist.
XULA made 30-of-40 free throws. Both figures were season bests. Flanagain was 13-of-17 from the line, and Mart made 8-of-12.
XULA is 0-3 in overtime and 5-7 on the road this season. A year ago the Gold Rush were 3-0 in overtime and 11-6 on the road. The Gold Rush are 7-5 this season in games decided by four-or-fewer points.
Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletics Director for Communications
Department of Athletics & Recreation
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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