NEW ORLEANS – The Xavier University Gold Rush shot 65 percent in the second half and claimed a 71-60 win over the visiting Statesmen in DSU's season-opener Wednesday.

The Statesmen, ranked 21st in the NCAA's Division II, shot 32 percent (17-of-52) from the field during the game, and were hindered by a 1-of-10 showing from behind the three-point arc in the second half.

Marqueys Brown came off the bench to score 12 points and pull down eight rebounds in his official Delta State debut. Joe McCray and Roderick Ollie added 11 points for the Statesmen.

Xavier of Louisiana had four players score in double-figures and was led by Cordell Hadnot and Jeremy Mansel, who scored 14 points apiece.

Xavier, an NAIA school in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, improved to 4-1 on the season. The Gold Rush shot 59 percent from the field during the game, and were 13-of-20 in the second half.

The Statesmen's shooting woes were compounded at the free throw line, where they only sank 60 percent (21-of-35) of their shots.

Eric Spencer scored nine points and handed out four assists for the Statesmen. Jeremie Davis added eight points for Delta State.

The Statesmen continue their two-game trek in New Orleans when they visit the Loyola Wolfpack on Thursday. Loyola is also a member of the NAIA and GCAC. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.