BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (AP) — 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.
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