WKU Suffers Decisive Loss to FIU in Regular Season Finale

Hilltoppers fall 92-67 despite strong individual performances, face tough road ahead in CUSA Championships

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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WKU Hilltopper Basketball concluded their regular season with an 18-13 overall record and an 11-9 mark in Conference USA play after suffering a decisive 92-67 loss to the Florida International Panthers on Saturday. The defeat casts a shadow over the team's prospects as they head into the CUSA Championships in Huntsville, Alabama.

Why it matters

The loss to FIU highlights potential weaknesses that opponents will likely exploit in the tournament. WKU's ability to contain opposing offenses and maintain consistent scoring throughout the game will be crucial for success. The team's reliance on a few key players for scoring also suggests a need for more balanced offensive contributions.

The details

WKU started strong, briefly leading by as many as 10 points early in the game. However, FIU quickly responded with a 22-6 run, seizing control of the momentum. Grant Newell attempted to rally WKU late in the first half, scoring 15 consecutive points, but a late surge from the Panthers extended their lead to 45-33 at halftime. FIU continued its dominance in the second half, opening with a 10-3 run and pushing their advantage to 57-36. While Ryan Myers provided a spark off the bench with 12 points, it wasn't enough to overcome FIU's consistent scoring and strong performance.

  • WKU concluded their regular season on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
  • The CUSA Championships will be held in Huntsville, Alabama, starting on March 12, 2026.

The players

Grant Newell

Led the Hilltoppers with 17 points, shooting 8-of-11 from the free throw line.

Ryan Myers

Scored 15 points off the bench, shooting 6-of-11 from the field and 3-of-5 from beyond the arc.

Armelo Boone

Contributed 13 points and 8 rebounds for the Hilltoppers.

LJ Hackman

Helped WKU take an early lead with his contributions.

Blaise Keita

Played a role in WKU's early lead.

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What they’re saying

“We must address the defensive vulnerabilities exposed in the loss to FIU and rediscover our early-game form to advance in the tournament.”

— Grant Newell, WKU Player

What’s next

As the No. 3 seed, WKU will face No. 6-seeded Kennesaw State in the quarterfinals of the Conference USA Championships on March 12th at 8 p.m. CT, with the game airing on ESPN+.

The takeaway

This loss highlights the need for WKU to improve their defensive performance and find more balanced scoring contributions if they hope to make a deep run in the CUSA Championships. The team's reliance on a few key players suggests they must develop a more diverse offensive attack to overcome tough opponents.