Xavier crushes Hope International in opening round of NAIA Nationals

UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – NOVEMBER 16: Lance Williams #23 of the Xavier University of Louisiana Gold Rush advances the ball against the Virginia Union University Panthers during the second half of the Boost Mobile Chris Paul HBCU Tip Off championship at Mohegan Sun Arena on November 16, 2022 in Uncasville, Connecticut. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)

by: Aaron S. Lee

Posted: Mar 7, 2023 / 07:44 PM EST

Updated: Mar 7, 2023 / 08:59 PM EST

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CALDWELL, Idaho (WGNO) — A nine-day layoff did not hurt Xavier New Orleans (23-8) as the Gold Rush scored the first 16 points en route to a 95 first round win over Hope International (20-11) at the NAIA Nationals in Caldwell, Idaho, on Tuesday.

Eighth-seeded Xavier commanded a 54-29 lead at the half, and continued to pour on the points to extend their lead to 38 late in the game

Three Gold Rush players scored double figures, including Jathen Ross with 18, Xavier Reaves, 11, and Lance Williams, 10.

TJ Jones and Tracy Stele each scored 9. Brian White and Cory Well both had 8 apiece.

Sebastian Castro led Hope International with 14 points, followed by Jalani Horn with 12.

The victory marks the third straight first-round win for the Gold Rush.