NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana Christian University women's basketball team hit more field goals and more threes than Xavier of Louisiana did in Monday night's make-up contest, but a large rebounding disadvantage led to foul trouble and a high free throw disparity that led to a 54-48 loss to the Gold Nuggets at Xavier's Convocation Center.
 
Louisiana Christian (3-21, 2-16 RRAC) made 20 field goals in the contest compared to just 16 by Xavier (15-9, 11-7 RRAC). The Wildcats even hit at a higher percentage, outshooting the Gold Nuggets 40 percent to 24.6 percent. Neither team shot well from deep with LCU hitting four from deep at a 28.6 percent clip while Xavier made just two three-pointers at a 15.4 percent clip.
 
The difference in the contest was rebounding and free throw shooting. Xavier grabbed 55 boards, 29 on the offensive glass which led to 20 second chance points. LCU snagged 33 rebounds, seven offensive, and scored five second chance points in the contest. That also helped get the Gold Nuggets to the free throw line where Xavier was 20-of-26 at the stripe while LCU was awarded just seven free throws all evening, making four of them.
 
Kylei Leblanc, who was named the RRAC's Defensive Player of the Week earlier in the day, picked up her 13^th double-double of the season. She scored 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting, making her only three-point attempt of the night as well, while grabbing 11 rebounds as well. She also blocked three Gold Nugget shots, dished out an assist, and came up with a steal.
 
Amiyah Simpkins hit 4 of her 9 attempts, including a three, on her way to 11 points. She also blocked a shot and grabbed a rebound.
 
M'Kiyiah Olivier scored eight points, making three of her five shot attempts, including a couple three-pointers. She grabbed two rebounds, blocked a shot, and came up with a steal.
 
The Wildcats return to Central Louisiana for their final two home games of the season this weekend, starting on Thursday when Our Lady of the Lake comes to Pineville. Tip-off of Thursday's contest against the Saints (9-15, 8-10 RRAC) is set for 5:30 p.m. on the Gene Rushing Court at H.O. West Fieldhouse.