Ray Harper said he thought Thursday night would be the start of something positive for Western Kentucky.
The chances for that momentum went out the window for the Hilltoppers with a late collapse.
WKU (8-7 overall, 0-2 Conference USA) blew a seven-point lead with 2:41 remaining against Florida International, letting an impressive home winning streak slip away in a 75-72 loss at E.A. Diddle Arena.
"They played 'til the buzzer went off," sophomore forward Justin Johnson said. "I think coach said it best. We played east to west, stopped attacking and started playing conservative. They kept coming at us.