NEW ORLEANS, LA — History was made in the Convocation Center as the North American University Stallions secured their first-ever victory over Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) in a Texas VS Louisiana 74-67 showdown. This monumental win not only marked the Stallions' inaugural triumph in five matchups against the Gold Rush but also their first win on Xavier's home court.

Guard Jayden Jackson led the charge and delivered a career-defining performance. Jackson, who entered the contest averaging just 2.5 points per game, shattered expectations by scoring a season-high 24 points. His stellar shooting—69.2% from the field, 2-for-2 from three-point range, and a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line—was instrumental in the Stallions' historic victory.

"This was a special night for us," said Jackson. "We came in focused and determined to make a statement. I just wanted to do my part, and everything clicked."

Game Summary

The game was a back-and-forth affair from the opening tip. North American held a slim 39-36 advantage at halftime, powered by sharp shooting and solid defense. Xavier battled fiercely, but the Stallions maintained their composure down the stretch, closing out the game with clutch free throws and timely defensive stops.

The Stallions showcased remarkable efficiency, shooting 42.6% from the field and an impressive 83.3% from the free-throw line. They also dominated the glass, out-rebounding Xavier 37-33, including critical offensive rebounds that extended key possessions.

Key Players      

Jayden Jackson: The standout guard delivered a career night, pouring in 24 points on an efficient 9-of-13 shooting, including a perfect 2-of-2 from beyond the arc and 4-of-4 from the charity stripe. His poise under pressure and ability to create scoring opportunities were vital to the Stallions' success.

Jamarric Hammond: A force on both ends of the court, Hammond contributed 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. His leadership and hustle set the tone for North American.

Sean Fry: The sharpshooting reserve provided a spark off the bench with 17 points, including three three-pointers. Fry's energy and timely shooting kept the Stallions ahead during critical stretches.

Damione Thomas: Thomas anchored the paint with 7 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocks, providing a strong defensive presence that frustrated Xavier's interior scorers.

Caleb Malik: The forward chipped in 5 points and 6 rebounds, adding much-needed depth to the Stallions' rotation.

The Xavier Gold Rush, ranked among the top teams in the conference, entered the game with an impressive 11-4 record and a strong home-court advantage. Known for their tenacious defense and balanced offensive attack, Xavier battled hard but struggled to find consistency against North American's relentless pressure.

Key Players for Xavier

Lance Williams: The standout guard led Xavier with 23 points, hitting 8-of-17 shots from the field and 3-of-6 from three-point range. His ability to score in traffic and hit perimeter shots kept the Gold Rush in contention throughout the game.

Wayne Randall-Bashay: Randall-Bashay provided a solid all-around performance with 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. His scoring versatility was a bright spot for Xavier's offense.

James Weathers: Weathers contributed 15 points, 6 assists, and 3 rebounds while adding four steals on the defensive end. He was a catalyst for Xavier's fast breaks and a key playmaker.

Corey Dunning: Off the bench, Dunning showcased his defensive prowess, pulling down 13 rebounds (11 defensive) and blocking five shots. His presence in the paint helped limit North American's scoring opportunities inside.

Turning Point

North American's resilience shone brightest in the final minutes of the game. With Xavier mounting a comeback, the Stallions tightened their defense and converted free throws with precision, ensuring that the Gold Rush never got closer than four points in the closing minutes.

Coach's Perspective

"This win is a testament to the hard work and determination of our players," said North American head coach, Coach B Doze Jr. "To come into a tough environment like Xavier's and come away with a victory shows the heart and focus of this team. We're proud to achieve this milestone, but we know there's more work ahead."

Team Stats

• Field Goal Percentage: NAU 42.6%, Xavier 41.4%
• Three-Point Percentage: NAU 47.1%, Xavier 33.3%
• Free Throw Percentage: NAU 83.3%, Xavier 72.2%
• Rebounds: NAU 37 (10 offensive), Xavier 33 (11 offensive)
• Turnovers: NAU 17, Xavier 15

What's Next

With this historic win, the Stallions improve to 8-12 overall and 4-11 in conference play. They will look to build on this momentum in their next matchup as they continue to climb the conference standings.

Xavier (La.) drops to 11-5 overall and 10-4 in conference play and will seek to regroup in their upcoming games.

Stay tuned for more updates as North American University continues its thrilling basketball season. Get those four-fingered hooves up and Goooooooo Stallionsssss!