USD Falls To WKU

WEST REGIONAL -------------
(12) WKU 72, (13) SAN DIEGO 63 ------------------------------

TAMPA, Florida (Ticker) -- Courtney Lee scored 29 points to power 12th-seeded Western Kentucky to a 72-63 victory over 13th-seeded San Diego in second-round action.

After holding as much as a 15-point lead early in the second half, the Hilltoppers (29-6) briefly allowed the Toreros (22-14) to take a one-point lead with just over six minutes remaining. However, Lee helped Western Kentucky turn the tables on San Diego from that point on, hitting the final of his four 3-pointers to help regain the lead for good.

Western Kentucky finished with a game-ending 18-8 run, capped by six straight free throws from Lee, as San Diego was attempting to stage another comeback. San Diego made just two of its final seven shots.

The win moves the Hilltoppers into a "Sweet 16" matchup against No. 1 seed UCLA (33-3) on Thursday.