ALPINE, Texas - Sul Ross State University won its second American Southwest Conference men's basketball championship by defeating East Texas Baptist University 68-65 at the Gallego Center Saturday night. The Lobos also won the title in 2004.

The contest, which featured 14 ties, was evenly contested throughout. After being tied 30-30 at halftime, the Tigers (21-7) took a 49-48 lead with 9:21 left after a pair of free throws from Landin Brown. The Lobos (22-6) answered with an 11-4 run for a 59-53 advantage with 5:20 remaining.

ETBU would trail by four points or less for the rest of the game, and cut the deficit to 66-65 with nine seconds on the clock after a basket from Darrice Whitley. SRSU put the game away with a two free throws by Tristen Licon with four seconds remaining.

The Lobos shot 44.4 percent (28-of-63) from the field, were 3-of-12 from three-point range and 9-of-13 at the line. They also had 41 rebounds, 11 assists, a block four steals and seven turnovers.

The Tigers shot 33.8 percent (22-of-65), were 8-of-24 from outside and 13-for-17 at the free throw line with 41 rebounds, 11 assists, eight turnovers, two blocks and a steal.

Sul Ross senior forward Caleb Thomasson earned tournament MVP honors after a 33-point, 8-rebound performance. C.J. Ross added 12 points and six rebounds and Jola Otubu chipped in 10 points.

ETBU was led by guard Robby Dooley with 15 points to go with seven boards and three assists. Westin Riddick scored 12 points and Jordan Gosey had 11 points and eight rebounds.

The win give the Lobos the ASC's automatic qualifier to the NCAA Division III Championship. The selection show will be aired on NCAA.com at 11:30 a.m. Monday, February 26.