HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — FIU's 10th-seeded men's basketball program pulled off the upset of seventh-seeded Western Kentucky in the opening round of the Conference USA (CUSA) Championships, 64-61, on Tuesday evening inside Propst Arena.
The madness of March was alive and well in Huntsville on Tuesday night as the Panthers pulled off a dramatic, gritty victory over the defending champions, Western Kentucky, on Tuesday evening. FIU's incredible defensive intensity helped to stifle the Hilltoppers all night, holding WKU to 35.9 shooting, including 1-for-18 from three. Jayden Brewer and Asim Jones each scored 17 points to lead the offensive effort. Ashton Williamson was also in double-digits with 11 points.
With 1:14 remaining, both teams were tied at 55-all, but six clutch free throws down the stretch from Asim Jones gave the Panthers a six-point lead with 16 seconds left. Western Kentucky converted an improbable, and-one three pointer in the closing moments, but more clutch free throw shooting from Salatchoum and Williamson sealed the FIU win.
This the Panthers' second-straight season with an opening round win at the CUSA Championships, having defeated Jacksonville State last season, 76-67. It is also FIU's highest-ever seed defeated in the conference tournament in the Jeremy Ballard era and highest overall since defeating seventh-seeded UTSA on Wednesday, Mar. 11, 2015.
In the first half, FIU went on a needed-run in the waning moments of the half to climb back within five at the break. Jones hit a three with 1:01 left to kick start an 8-0 run. In the next offensive possession, Jones had the ball in his hands again and made a fadeaway two-point jumper to cut the lead to eight. WKU threw the inbounds to the Panthers and FIU capitalized as Jayden Brewer banked in a three with time expiring to make it 27-22 in the Hilltoppers' favor at the half.
Despite the run to end the half, the Panthers still trailed by 10 with 16:57 remaining in the second half. Williamson and Jaden Grant made back-to-back triples and then Salatchoum put back a missed shot to pull FIU to down two. A Jones layup with 9:30 left gave the Panthers their first lead of the game. Both teams traded baskets down the stretch until Jones distanced FIU in the final minute.
FIU made 24-of-32 free throw attempts and knocked down four crucial threes in the game. Salatchoum finished with eight points and 10 rebounds and controlled the paint all night.
UP NEXT
FIU will take on second-seeded Jacksonville State tomorrow, Mar. 13, at 9 p.m. ET in Huntsville.
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