1 | 2 | T | |
---|---|---|---|
FIU | 35 | 41 | 76 |
WKU | 35 | 48 | 83 |
Western Kentucky tops FIU 83-76
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. -- Justin Johnson had 25 points and a career-high seven rebounds, and Western Kentucky beat Florida International 83-76 on Saturday night.
Johnson passed Greg Smith into sixth place on WKU's all-time rebounding list and moved into 10th for minutes played.
Josh Anderson skied for a put-back dunk and Johnson followed with two free throws as WKU led 68-61 with under five minutes left. FIU wouldn't go away with Michael Douglas hitting a 3-pointer to pull to 71-69 at 2:11, but the Golden Panthers didn't score again until 32 seconds remained.
Darius Thompson added 18 points and Lamonte Bearden 15 for Western Kentucky (18-7, 10-2 Conference USA). The Hilltoppers are tied for second with Old Dominion (10-2), trailing Middle Tennessee (12-1).
WKU was without its star center Dwight Coleby for most of the game after his first-half leg injury. He entered averaging 12.4 points, 8.6 rebounds and two blocks and finished with two points.
Trejon Jacob made four 3-pointers and scored 22 points for FIU (11-15, 5-8). Brian Beard Jr. added 16 points with seven assists.
Game Information
- Referees:
- Mike Stuart
- Stephen Divine
- John St. Clair
2023-24 Conference USA Standings
Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
---|---|---|---|
Sam Houston | 13-3 | - | 21-12 |
Louisiana Tech | 12-4 | 1 | 22-10 |
Western Kentucky | 8-8 | 5 | 22-12 |
Liberty | 7-9 | 6 | 18-14 |
UTEP | 7-9 | 6 | 18-16 |
Middle Tennessee | 7-9 | 6 | 14-19 |
New Mexico State | 7-9 | 6 | 13-19 |
Jacksonville State | 6-10 | 7 | 14-18 |
Florida International | 5-11 | 8 | 11-22 |