Western Kentucky made history on Sunday night, securing its first-ever Conference USA men’s basketball tournament championship with a gritty 72-65 win over UAB. The victory not only delivered the Hilltoppers their long-awaited conference title but also guaranteed them an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2013.
A Historic Run to the Championship
Western Kentucky entered the tournament as a top contender but had to overcome multiple challenges along the way. After a hard-fought semifinal victory over Louisiana Tech, the Hilltoppers faced a formidable UAB team that had won 10 of its last 11 games.
From the opening tip, Western Kentucky’s defense set the tone. The Hilltoppers stifled UAB’s high-powered offense, holding them to just 30% shooting in the first half and forcing nine turnovers. Their disciplined defensive approach allowed them to build a 12-point halftime lead, leaving the Blazers searching for answers.
UAB’s Second-Half Surge and WKU’s Response
Despite the early deficit, UAB came out firing in the second half, using a combination of full-court pressure and hot perimeter shooting to claw its way back into the game. The Blazers cut Western Kentucky’s lead to just three points with under four minutes to play, setting up a tense final stretch.
That’s when Hilltoppers forward Jairus Hamilton took over. The senior scored back-to-back baskets in the paint and iced the game with a clutch three-pointer, finishing with 18 points and 10 rebounds. His efforts, along with a late free throw surge, helped WKU maintain its composure and close out the win.
A Moment to Remember
As the final buzzer sounded, the Hilltoppers erupted in celebration, mobbing one another at center court. For head coach Steve Lutz, who took over the program this season, the victory was especially meaningful.
“This is what we’ve worked for all season,” Lutz said. “These guys believed in each other, and they made history tonight. But we’re not done yet—this is just the beginning.”
Looking Ahead to March Madness
With the championship win, Western Kentucky now turns its attention to the NCAA Tournament, where they will look to continue their momentum on the national stage. The Hilltoppers, long considered a dangerous mid-major program, will now have the opportunity to prove themselves against some of the best teams in the country.
For a program that has endured heartbreak in previous Conference USA tournaments, this title marks a turning point. Western Kentucky has finally reached the top—and they have no plans of slowing down.
