Hot Springs, AR (Sports Network) - The Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers may have a losing record, but they're going to the NCAA Tournament regardless.
Kahlil McDonald's 14 points included the game-winning three-pointer, and Western Kentucky came back from a 13-point second half deficit to defeat North Texas, 74-70, in the final of the Sun Belt Conference Tournament on Tuesday.
Teeng Akol netted a game-high 23 points and George Fant scored 17 to go with six rebounds for the Hilltoppers (15-18), who won a record eighth SBC title and their first since back-to-back championships in 2008-09.
They will play in the NCAA tourney for the 22nd time.
Sun Belt freshman of the year Tony Mitchell paced the Mean Green (18-14) with 18 points. Alzee Williams contributed 16 and six rebounds and Brandan Walton donated 14 points for North Texas, which fell in the conference title game for the second consecutive year.
