WKU men’s basketball’s stellar second half defense launched the Hilltoppers to a 68-56 win Saturday night over the UTEP Miners.

UTEP could not get into a rhythm in the second half, shooting 23% from the floor and shooting 0-10 from three. The Hilltoppers forced the Miners into 12 of their 15 turnovers in the second half, resulting in 16 points.

A 9-0 run in the final minute of the game sealed the deal for the Hilltoppers. During the stretch, UTEP was held 0-4 from the floor with two turnovers.

WKU continues to be a second half team in CUSA play this season, with a 3-2 record and every game being a comeback win.

The Hilltoppers found themselves in a familiar spot, down at halftime 35-31. WKU shot 46% from the floor in the first half despite shooting 1-8 from three. UTEP shot 40% from the floor, however, the Miners 3-point shooting was the difference shooting 41%. The threes proved crucial early in the half to hold the lead going into half.

WKU came out fast in the second half, going on a 15-8 run in the first seven minutes to take a 46-43 lead, and did not look back. Redshirt sophomore guard Teagan Moore and freshman guard Armelo Boone led the Hilltoppers in the half, with 13 and seven points respectively.

The Hilltoppers will return back to Diddle Arena Wednesday night to take on CUSA newcomer Missouri State.