Hot-shooting Talladega defeated Xavier University of Louisiana 83-65 in Gulf Coast Athletic Conference men’s basketball Saturday.
The Tornadoes (18-6, 6-3) became the first GCAC team in 14 years to shoot 60 percent from the floor against the Gold Rush (13-11, 4-4). Talladega made 30-of-49 attempts for a season-high 61.2 percent.
Dondre Alexander and Jarin Hilson scored 15 points apiece for Talladega, and Da’Jon Streeter had 14. Hilson and Charles Shaw had seven assists apiece.
Damani Flanagain, in double figures for the third consecutive game, scored 13 points for XULA. Rayshawn Mart and William Loyd scored 11 points apiece.
Flanagain’s basket at 15:48 of the first half gave XULA its final lead at 6-5. Talladega led 40-29 at halftime after a 12-4 run and by double digits for the final 17:19.
XULA missed its first 11 3-point attempts before hitting three, two by Ed Carter, in the final eight minutes.
Talladega, the NAIA Division I leader in rebound margin, outrebounded the Gold Rush 34-17.
XULA will visit GCAC opponent Edward Waters at 7:30 p.m. EST Monday in Jacksonville, Fla. It will be the third Gold Rush road game in five days. XULA is in fifth place in the GCAC and a game ahead of Edward Waters.