MIAMI (AP) — Justin Johnson converted a pair of free throws with 13 seconds left and Western Kentucky escaped Florida International with a 69-66 victory in a Conference USA battle Monday night.
Anthony Boswell gave FIU the lead with his layup two minutes into the second half and the Golden Panthers nursed that lead until Johnson tied the game with his own layup with 3:19 left. Anton Waters hit a jumper less than a minute later to put the Hilltoppers on top for good.
Michael Kessens hit the first of two free throws to get the Golden Panthers within one, 65-64 with 2:08 left, but Que Johnson answered with a pair of free throws with 57 seconds remaining. Donte McGill cut it to one with two from the line a half-minute later.
Pancake Thomas and Waters each scored 14 points to lead Western Kentucky (8-7, 2-0).
McGill finished with 26 points to lead FIU (4-11, 0-2).
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