Turnover Pressure Lifts LSUS Past Xavier, 65–55

NEW ORLEANS, La. – The LSU Shreveport women's basketball team continued its perfect run through Red River Athletic Conference play Thursday night, earning a 65–55 road victory over Xavier University of Louisiana at the Convocation Center.

With the win, the Pilots improved to 12-2 overall and 9-0 in RRAC play, while the Gold Nuggets fell to 6-6 overall and 3-4 in conference action.

LSUS set the tone early with defensive intensity, holding Xavier scoreless from the field for nearly the first six minutes of the game. After Xavier opened the scoring at the free-throw line, LSU Shreveport rattled off a 12–2 run late in the first quarter, highlighted by a Selma Markisic three-pointer and back-to-back baskets from Paula Gonzalez Herrero, to take a 12–4 lead after one.

The Pilots continued to build momentum in the second quarter, forcing turnovers and converting them into points. LSUS stretched the lead to double digits early and closed the half on a strong note, taking a 33–20 advantage into the locker room. Gonzalez Herrero knocked down a pair of three-pointers in the period, while Amandine L'Etang controlled the paint on both ends with key rebounds and interior finishes.

Xavier made a push early in the third quarter behind Tiara Tillison, but LSU Shreveport answered every run. Back-to-back three-pointers from Sami Slusarek and Ally Fleenor, followed by another triple from Markisic, helped the Pilots extend their lead to as many as 17 points midway through the quarter. LSUS maintained control heading into the fourth, leading 48–37.

The Gold Nuggets cut the deficit to single digits in the final period, but LSU Shreveport remained poised. L'Etang connected from beyond the arc early in the quarter, and timely baskets from Fleenor and Gonzalez Herrero steadied the Pilots down the stretch. LSU Shreveport sealed the win at the free-throw line in the final minute, closing out the 65–55 victory.

Markisic led the Pilots with 13 points, adding five rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Gonzalez Herrero followed with 12 points, four rebounds, and four steals, while L'Etang posted a strong all-around performance with 10 points, seven rebounds, four blocks, and three steals. Fleenor rounded out the balanced scoring effort with 10 points and four rebounds.

Xavier was led by Tillison, who finished with a game-high 23 points, along with six steals, four rebounds, and two assists. Tracy Thomas added 13 points and five rebounds for the Gold Nuggets.

LSUS forced 28 Xavier turnovers and converted them into 24 points, while also shooting 76.5 percent from the free-throw line, a key factor in maintaining separation despite being outrebounded.

The Pilots will return to action on Jan. 10, as they travel to face North American University. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.

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