WKU Basketball: Tops Advance in C-USA Past UTEP, 73-67

Tops take down the Miners for the third time this season and will now face #1 seed FAU

After being down 22-6 at one point to start the game, the Tops were able to rally in the second half and defeat UTEP in the first round of the C-USA Tournament in Frisco, TX 73-67.

Five Hilltoppers scored in double digits as Jamarion Sharp led the way with 16 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks. As a team WKU shot 20-of-30 from the free throw line which was critical in completing the comeback.

The Tops didn’t start off on the right foot at all out the gate. UTEP was able to lead 22-6 but soon after the Tops were able to go on a run to cut the lead down and get within five points. UTEP led at the half, 34-28.

The second half, however, WKU outscored the Miners 45-33 and despite the awful start, came together and rallied to win, 73-67.

While it’s good to see WKU not lose in the first round of the conference tournament, they have their work cut out for them moving forward. They will now play the #1 seeded FAU Owls tomorrow at 5:30pm CST on ESPN+. WKU haven’t beaten the Owls this season and they are the heavy favorite to represent Conference USA in the NCAA Tournament so this will be one of the toughest tasks a WKU team has faced this early in a conference tournament if they wish to keep the season alive.