FLORENCE, S.C. – Flagler College sprinted out to a 25-5 lead and never looked back in defeating Francis Marion University 85-63 in a Peach Belt Conference men's basketball game Saturday afternoon at the Smith University Center.

With the win, Flagler (13-2 overall, 11-1 PBC) captured its first regular season conference title and its first league crown since claiming the Florida Sun Conference in the 2004-05 season. The Saints will be the No. 1 seed in the upcoming PBC Tournament. Francis Marion concluded its season at 3-11.

"I am so proud of our team and am thankful to be their coach," said head coach Chad Warner, who won his 200^th career game (200-145) in his 12^th year (Shorter 2007-15 and Flagler (2017-present). "They have made history winning the league championship today. We look forward to hosting part of the conference tournament right here in St. Augustine."

Flagler used a balanced scoring attack this afternoon. Jaizec Lottie led five Saints in double figures with 16 points, and he added seven rebounds to go along with five assists. Jalen Barr recorded his fourth double-double of the season with 15 points and a game-high 11 rebounds. Marcus Henderson and Spencer Bain each supplied 12 points.

Jamal Edmonson led the Patriots with 12 points while Ja'Von Anderson added 11 more. Uhana Ochan chipped in with 10 points and seven rebounds.

Francis Marion was held to 25.8 percent shooting in the first half and trailed 42-23 at the break. The Patriots finished with 32.3 percent mark for the game.

The official brackets for the conference tournament will be released early next week.
  
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