Wednesday, February 19, 2003

Western Kentucky takes second game of the season over FIU, 71-58

estern Kentucky out shoots FIU, 71-58, at Golden Panther Arena. Eulis Baez scored 15 points on 67-percent (6-for-9) shooting from the floor to lead the Golden Panthers. Baez also dished out a game-high four assists.

Carlos Morban was the second player in double figures with 11 points. Nikola Novakovic grabbed a game-high six rebounds.

Western Kentucky (18-8, 10-2 Sun Belt Conference) jumped out to an 11-point lead, 22-11, to start the game. After FIU cut it to seven, 25-18, WKU's David Boyden made a lay-up, followed by a Patrick Sparks three-point basket.

The Hilltoppers would go on to a 36-25 halftime advantage on 58-percent (14-for-24) shooting from the floor, including eight lay-ups.

The Golden Panthers (7-17, 1-10 SBC) fought back to a three-point deficit, 43-40, at the 13-minute mark. Unfortunately, every time FIU would make the score closer, WKU's Patrick Sparks would nail a three-pointer.

Sparks made his fourth and fifth trey's to give the Hilltoppers a double-digit lead, 59-49 with seven minutes left. FIU wouldn't get closer than ten the rest of the way.

Sparks scored a game-high 20 points, going five-for nine from three-point range. Caleb Halcomb added 13 points off the bench for Western Kentucky.

FIU, who outrebounded its last six opponents, had that streak broken, 28-27.

The Hilltoppers never trailed in the game and out shot FIU, 56-percent (23-for-41) to 46-percent (23-for-50).

It will be senior night, as the Golden Panthers will host its final home game against Middle Tennessee on Saturday night at 7:00 pm at Golden Panther Arena.