The Wolfpack went into The Barn at Xavier last Thursday and gained its first win against the Gold Rush since 1995 and its first conference road win.The ‘Pack became master of the farmyard with its second conference win, a much-needed road win that was its seventh victory overall.”It was a really good effort on a lot of people’s part,” said head coach Jerry Hernandez. “We executed well and were able to get the win.”With just 28 seconds to play, the ‘Pack trailed Xavier 50-48. General business freshman Matt Truax scored and was fouled, which gave him a chance at a three-point play. He converted the free throw, and the ‘Pack took a one-point lead.On the ensuing Xavier possession, history sophomore Dawson McCall took a charging call to give the ‘Pack the ball back without allowing Xavier to put any points on the board.Management freshman Chad Barnes sealed the game for the ‘Pack with eight seconds left to play. He was fouled on his way to score and nailed his two free throws to give the ‘Pack the lead at 53-50, which was how the game ended. According to computer science senior Brian Bowers, the rebounding advantage made a difference in the game.”Coach has been stressing rebounding in practice, and we were able to do that well in the game,” Bowers said.McCall led the team in scoring with 17 points on five of 10 shooting from behind the arc. Barnes followed with 16 points and was a perfect four for four from the charity stripe.Xavier out-rebounded the ‘Pack by one, and the team’s low post defense allowed two points apiece from Xavier’s starting post players.”I like to think that a conference road win in this part of the season will help our confidence, and I believe that this team is playing well,” Hernandez said. After its cross-town trip, the ‘Pack headed for Hattiesburg, Miss., to take on William Carey on Jan. 26.The Crusaders were able to slay the ‘Pack en route to an 85-71 win.William Carey shot 60 percent from the field and placed four players in double-figures in the game.”Against William Carey, we did not defend poorly, but we did not defend as well as we could have,” Bowers said.Barnes led the ‘Pack with 19 points and seven rebounds. He was followed by Truax with 14 points and McCall with 10 points, both off the bench. The team only shot 43 percent from the field in the game.The ‘Pack was scheduled to take on Southern University of New Orleans on Thursday. SUNO is at the top of the GCAC and in the top 25 in the NAIA.”I think that the key against SUNO is to get into our half—court game, because they are going to pressure our ball handling all night,” Hernandez said.The ‘Pack is scheduled to continue its conference play on Saturday as the team travels to Jackson, Miss., to take on Tougaloo at 7:30 p.m. in a Hall of Fame game re-match.
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