BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (Interstat) — Western Kentucky overcame a halftime deficit with a dominant second half to defeat Florida International 80-70 in a Conference USA men’s basketball game Saturday at E.A. Diddle Arena.

The Hilltoppers trailed 38-30 at halftime but erupted for 50 points after intermission to secure the victory before a crowd of 3,145. Grant Newell led all scorers with 23 points for Western Kentucky. Blaise Keita added 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Zawdie Jackson paced the Golden Panthers with 17 points. Eric Dibami and Corey Stephenson each scored 14.

Western Kentucky improved to 13-11 overall. Florida International fell to 11-12.