MOBILE, Ala—The University of Mobile men’s basketball team struggled with free throws and three-pointers and fell 69-60 to visiting Xavier in Gulf Coast Athletic Conference action Saturday.

Xavier built a 38-24 lead in the opening half by shooting 54% from the floor and holding Mobile to 43%. The Rams hit only 3-of-13 from three-point range and 3-of-11 from the charity stripe as the Gold Rush pulled ahead by as much as 18 before settling for the 14-point half-time lead.

The Gold Rush started the half with a 12-0 surge, as Shaun Dumas drained a couple of three balls, and from that point on, Mobile was unable to get the game closer than 9 points.

It was the same story through the first 15:24 of the final period, as the Gold Rush were in control and never led by less than 9. But, at the 4:36 mark, Carlos Hughes drilled a three ball to bring Mobile within 8 points at 54-62.

Xavier answered that with a free throw and the Brock Dockery sank a pair from the line to bring the Rams within 7 with just over 4 minutes left. After another 1-of-2 from the line by the visitors, Treii Pace and Matthew Turner scored buckets to bring the Rams within 60-64 with 1:15 left to go.

From there, Xavier hit 5-of-6 from the charity stripe and Mobile could not score to fall 69-60. Matthew Turner and Donte Walker led the Rams with 12 points apiece, while Brock Dockery added 10.

Mobile (14-13, 6-10) travels to Tougaloo Thursday, Feb. 26 at 7:30 pm.