Sergio Kerusch scored 16 of his 20 points in the second half to lead Western Kentucky to a 80-70 victory over Florida Gulf Coast on Monday night.
The Hilltoppers (12-13) led by as many as 11 late in the second half before the Eagles cut the lead to 71-68. The Hilltoppers then went on a 9-0 run to seal the nonconference victory.
Western Kentucky led 40-33 at the half despite fouling Florida Gulf Coast 14 times. The Eagles were 13 of 16 from the foul line in the first half.
Florida Gulf Coast (6-19) outrebounded the Hilltoppers 38-30 and its 15 offensive rebounds resulted in 22 second chance points.
Caden Dickerson scored a career-high 16 points for the Hilltoppers while Juan Pattillo also had 16 points, plus 11 rebounds.
Western Kentucky made 10 of 18 3-pointers, with Kerusch hitting four in the second half.
Anthony Banks paced the Eagles with 25 points.
