Justin Johnson scored a career-high 22 points on 9-of-18 shooting and grabbed 13 rebounds and Western Kentucky held off Stony Brook down the stretch to win 67-66 on Saturday.
Carson Puriefoy pulled Stony Brook within 67-66 with a 3-pointer with 2:06 left, but the Sea Wolves missed all six of their shots down the stretch, including two free throws, and time expired.
Nigel Snipes scored 20 points, tying a career high by hitting all five of his 3-pointers, and the Hilltoppers (2-1) shot 9 of 14 from long distance (64 per cent).
The lead flip-flopped until Johnson scored four straight baskets for a 24-21 Hilltoppers lead, then scored 5 straight points to pull Western Kentucky ahead 31-23. Johnson ended the half with a layup and the Hilltoppers led 38-33 at halftime
Rayshaun McGrew scored 18 for the Seawolves (1-2), Puriefoy scored 17, and Jameel Warney, 11.
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