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W. Kentucky Hilltops San Diego

Advance to Sweet Sixteen with 72-63 win

By Lev Weinstein,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 23, 2008 6:52 PM CDT

(Newser) – Elated today with its first trip to the Sweet Sixteen in 15 years, Western Kentucky now faces a real trial, reports the AP. After warding off a scrappy San Diego 72-63 with Courtney Lee's clutch late free throws and his team-leading 29 points, the 12th-seeded Hilltoppers will have to go through top seed UCLA in the West Region semifinals in their next game.

Western Kentucky opened up a 37-23 lead on the Toreros at the half, with Lee scoring 19 of his 29 in the first twenty minutes. San Diego, however, was far from done. The Toreros rallied back in the second half, staging an 18-2 run that gave them a one-point lead, before Lee hit  a decisive three pointer with little more than six to play.

Western Kentucky's Courtney Lee (32) congratulates teammate Tyrone Brazelton (3) during the final seconds of their 72-63 win over San Diego.
Western Kentucky's Courtney Lee (32) congratulates teammate Tyrone Brazelton (3) during the final seconds of their 72-63 win over San Diego.   ((AP Photo/Steve Nesius))
San Diego guard Brandon Johnson (1) grabs the ball away from Western Kentucky defenders Jeremy Evans (40, left) and Tyrone Brazelton (3).
San Diego guard Brandon Johnson (1) grabs the ball away from Western Kentucky defenders Jeremy Evans (40, left) and Tyrone Brazelton (3).   ((AP Photo/Mike Carlson))
Western Kentucky's Courtney Lee (32) kicks up his leg during the second half of an NCAA West Regional second round tournament basketball game against San Diego.
Western Kentucky's Courtney Lee (32) kicks up his leg during the second half of an NCAA West Regional second round tournament basketball game against San Diego.   ((AP Photo/Steve Nesius))
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