by HOBBS, N.M – Xavier’s women’s basketball notched its first conference win of the season here Saturday with an 80-53 rout of the Southwest Mustangs.
As the score suggests, the Gold Nuggets (4-4, 1-2 RRAC) were on fire offensively, shooting 55 percent from the field and 60 percent from 3-point range, including a 90-percent effort from the field in the first quarter.
After taking a 33-27 lead into the break, Xavier outscored Southwest (4-7, 0-5 RRAC) 47-26 in the second.
Defensively, the Gold Nuggets were sterling, holding the Mustangs to 33 percent shooting from the field and 24 percent from 3-point range and forcing 13 turnovers.
A quartet of Xavier players reached double-figure scoring on the day. Alicia Blanton and Fatima Black led the way with 17 points apiece. Blanton added 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Black, who came off the bench, had 6 rebounds, an assist, and a steal.
Shania Swan scored 13 points and pulled 6 rebounds, while Fatima Katembo added 10 points and 5 boards.
