Roosevelt Johnson had 23 points and 18 rebounds, both season highs, as Southeastern Louisiana broke open a tie game with a late first-half run and defeated Tennessee-Martin 64-48 Saturday night.
Todd Nelson added 18 points for the Lions (10-15) of the Southland Conference, who were making their first Bracket Busters appearance.
Tied at 22 at the 3:50 mark, Southeastern Louisiana closed out the half on a 9-0 run. Nelson made two free throws, Johnson scored on a fastbreak layup, Nelson added a 3-pointer and Johnson finished the scoring with a tip-in.
The Skyhawks (4-25) of the Ohio Valley Conference, who ended their 15-game losing streak with a 76-75 overtime win over Kennesaw State on Tuesday night, could get no closer than six in the second half.
Mike Liabo's 13 points led Tennessee-Martin, which was held to 1-of-9 shooting from long range in the first meeting between the schools since 1978-79.
