JACKSON, Mississippi – The East Texas Baptist University men's basketball closed out the 2017 regular season on a high note, as they defeated Belhaven University 85-60. ETBU finishes the regular season 15-10 overall while Belhaven falls to 4-20 with one game remaining.

ETBU jumped out to an early advantage and did not look back as they cruised from start to finish in the victory over the Blazers. Dylan Augustine erupted for 18 first half points, knocking down five three point field goals to pace the offense. Belhaven did not go lightly in the first half, staying with ETBU until a big run put ETBU up 43-30 at halftime.

Belhaven struck quick in the second half, but ETBU would handle their pressure and extend their lead to 30 points on two different occasions. Belhaven tried to crawl back in to the game, dropping the lead to 20 points, but ETBU would answer with three pointers and free throws to close out the game.

ETBU was led by Augustine with 20 points, and Jordan Gosey and Landin Brown each had 12 points. Gosey finished with a double-double, as he grabbed 10 rebounds for a game-high. Brown had six assists to lead ETBU's game high 21 assists.

ETBU shot 47% from the floor, 34.3% from behind the arc, and 52.4% from the free throw line. ETBU outrebounded Belhaven 47 to 33, with ETBU grabbing 32 defensively. ETBU's bench outscored Belhaven 34-15, and outscored Belhaven 15-0 on fast chance points.

Brandon Pressley led all scorers with 24 points, Belhaven's only scorer in double figures. Ron Davis led all players with eight assists. Belhaven shot 34.7% from the field, and 28.6% from behind the arc.

ETBU will return to action in the American Southwest Conference Tournament. ETBU will the number one seed from the ASC West Division, and could either be Hardin-Simmons University or Concordia University depending on Saturday's outcome.