Johnson helps Western Kentucky overcome UTEP 72-60

Feb 2, 2019, 05:22 am

EL PASO, Texas -- Justin Johnson scored 20 points and had 12 rebounds to lead Western Kentucky to a 72-60 victory over UTEP on Thursday night, the Hilltoppers' fifth straight road victory.

The win left the Hilltoppers (16-6, 8-1) alone in second in Conference USA with Old Dominion (7-2) losing to first-place Middle Tennessee (9-1) earlier Thursday. WKU has won four consecutive conference games for the first time since 2013-2014.

Johnson posted his seventh double-double this season and the 31st of his career. Taveion Hollingsworth added a career-high five 3-pointers and scored 17 points.

There were 16 lead changes and five ties with WKU not clinching the win until scoring the final eight points with 1:32 remaining. The game-ending run began after Paul Thomas was called for his fifth foul on the offensive glass and Johnson made two free throws before adding a dunk.

Omega Harris led the Miners (7-15, 2-8) with 16 points.