New Orleans ? Chris Marcus scored 24 points, including 11 straight in the final 41¼2 minutes, to lead No. 18 Western Kentucky to a 76-70 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette in the Sun Belt tournament championship on Tuesday night.

The victory gives Western Kentucky (28-3) an automatic berth in the NCAA tournament and stretches the Hilltoppers’ winning streak to 18 games.

Louisiana-Lafayette (20-10) could not contain Marcus down the stretch.

Marcus, a senior who missed two months after breaking his ankle, also had 11 rebounds and six blocks in 26 minutes.

Derek Robinson had 17 points and 11 rebounds for Western Kentucky, Filip Videnov scored 12, and Patrick Sparks and Todor Pandov each added 10.

Michael Southall led Louisiana-Lafayette with 16 points, 11 rebounds and five blocked shots. Kenneth Lawrence, who had six assists, and Laurie Bridges each scored 14.

The Hilltoppers made just three field goals in the first 7:57 of the second half and trailed 45-40 before Sparks hit back-to-back 3-pointers that started an 18-6 run. A 3-pointer with 7:56 left by Pandov Western Kentucky a 58-53 lead.

The Ragin’ Cajuns tied it at 64 on a pair of free throws by Bridges at the 5:34 mark.