Estero, FL (SportsNetwork.com) - Mislav Brzoja had 17 points off the bench and Evansville held off Fresno State 58-52 in the first round of the Gulf Coast Showcase on Monday.

D.J. Balentine added 13 points for the Purple Aces (3-0), who will face Green Bay in the second round. Egidijus Mockevicius tallied 10 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks.

Karachi Edo had 17 points, five blocks and two steals for the Bulldogs (1-3). Paul Watson and Julien Lewis donated 13 and 11 points, respectively.

Trailing 40-38 with nine minutes to play, Evansville went on an 11-0 run. Balentine scored the first four points of the surge that Brzoja capped with two free throws for a 49-40 lead.

The Purple Aces went 5-of-6 from the line over the final 30 seconds to seal the victory.