Final Score: Belmont 78, Jacksonville State 71

Nashville, TN (Sports Network) - Kerron Johnson led all scorers with 26 points, and the Belmont Bruins closed out the Ohio Valley Conference regular season with a 78-71 win over the Jacksonville State Gamecocks at the Curb Event Center.

Blake Jenkins added 14 points, Ian Clark scored 13, and Trevor Noack finished with 11 for the Bruins (24-6, 14-2 OVC), who locked up their first OVC regular-season crown earlier this week.

Tarvin Gaines had a team-high 19 points for the Gamecocks (17-11, 8-8), who are not eligible for the upcoming OVC Tournament. Ronnie Boggs, Brian Williams and Darion Rackley all scored 12 in the loss, while Nick Cook recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Belmont shot an efficient 15-of-22 (.682) from the floor in the first half to claim a 38-31 halftime lead. Johnson made 6-of-7 field goals in the opening frame and had 14 points at the break.

The Bruins were able to keep JSU at bay in the second half thanks to a perfect 17-of-17 effort at the foul line over the final 20 minutes.

The Bruins managed to get good looks at the basket throughout the game, as they held a 42-24 scoring edge inside the paint.