WILSON, N.C. - After letting a 20 point first half lead slip through their hands, Augusta University's men's basketball team came up short and fall to Barton College 87-86 in the finale of the Hampton Inn & Suites and Tru By Hilton 45 Second Classic. John St. Germain III's had a shot in the final seconds, but the Bulldogs blocked the shot and pick up the win. The Jaguars fall to 0-2 on the year while the Bulldogs improve to 1-1.

Four different Jaguars scored in double figures led by Demitri Gardner's 24 points. Gardner hit 10 of 15 shots from the field and continues to shine for AU. St. Gemrain III added 19 points, Maximillian Amadasun had 17 points while Elias Palsson chipped in with 14 points.

Augusta dominated the first half and at one point led by as many as 20 points. But in the second half, the host Bulldogs would chip away and would take their first lead of the game with 2:48 left in the game. Gardner would tie the game at 80 a few seconds later. With 27 seconds left, Zyere Edwards would sink a pair of free throws to knot the game at 86. But Barton College would draw a foul and make one of two free throws with 11 seconds to play that proved to be the winning margin.

Jett Fortuny led the Bulldogs with a game high 28 points. 

 AU had a 14 point lead at the half after shooting 51% from the field with many baskets coming off assists.

Germain led the team with nine assists on the afternoon.

On the glass, Amadasun and Luis Nonfon led Augusta with seven rebounds. Chaevon Torrance had six boards as well. 

Barton College would drain 10 three-pointers to AU's four. The Bulldogs would also outscore the Jags 23-16 from the foul line. Augusta would dominated with 44 points in the paint and outscored Barton College 21-8 in fast break points. 

Augusta returns to action Monday night when they play an exhibition game against Georgia Southern in Statesboro, Ga.