3/19-Western Kentucky upends Illinois 76-72

Portland, OR (Sports Network) - Steffphon Pettigrew recorded a team-high 17 points to lead Western Kentucky to a nail-biting 76-72 decision over Illinois in first-round action of the NCAA Tournaments South Region at the Rose Garden. The Hilltoppers (25-8) seemed to have the game in hand with a 70-55 cushion with 3 1/2 minutes left in the game. But Illinois made a near miraculous comeback by converting off several WKU turnovers resulting from its full-court press. The margin was as close as two points in the waning moments, after Trent Meachams layup with eight seconds left got the Illini within 74-72. The Hilltoppers, though, were able to play keep-away on the ensuing possession and Anthony Sally sank two free throws with 0.9 seconds left to seal the win. The Sun Belt Conference champs have gotten the hang of being the No. 12 seed in the tourney. Last season the Hilltoppers upended fifth-seeded Drake in an overtime thriller in the first round before making it to the Sweet 16. In order to advance past the opening weekend for the second year in a row, WKU must knock off fourth-seeded Gonzaga, a 77-64 winner over Akron. Illinois (24-10), playing without senior guard Chester Frazier (hand), limped to the finish line with four losses in its last five games. Meacham kept the Big Ten program close with a game-high 24 points in the loss.