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Hilltoppers knock off USC, advance in NIT

LOS ANGELES -- Western Kentucky achieved a feat not seen in 70 years by beating the top-seeded team in its bracket during the second round of the National Invitation Tournament.

The fourth-seeded Hilltoppers survived 13 lead changes and a frantic final two minutes to earn a 79-75 victory over Southern California on Monday night in front of 2,130 at USC's Galen Center.

As a result, WKU (26-10) won multiple games in the NIT for the first time since 1948. That year, the Hilltoppers beat La Salle to reach the semifinals of the eight-team tournament. The Toppers lost to Saint Louis in the semifinals but took third place by defeating De Paul.