The game was close throughout but the Hilltoppers were fueled by George Fant who scored 17 points and brought down 13 rebounds in the win.
Florida International held a lead in the first of 8 but Western Kentucky captured the lead late in the half. The game was tight all through the second half but it was the Hilltoppers holding on to the win and earning the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. They held the Golden Panthers to just 38.7 percent shooting from the field.
The loss ended an impressive run by Richard Pitino in his first season at Florida International. The Panthers ended up 18-14 for the season. Meanwhile, Western Kentucky will enter the NCAA Tournament with a 20-15 record.
The Sun Belt Tournament had it's share of upsets including the Panthers upset of top seed Middle Tennessee State who was the overwhelming favorite to cut down the nets in Hot Springs, with their 28-4 record entering. Now, bubble teams accross the Country will await to see if the Sun Belt will send two teams to the NCAA Tournament.
I watched this game and it was really exciting. I really want Florida International to win this game but like what they say, anything can happen.
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