(HOT SPRINGS, Ark.) A.J. Slaughter scored 28 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer with 26 seconds left, as Western Kentucky defeated Arkansas State 65-64 in the quarterfinals of the Sun Belt Conference tournament Sunday night.
The fourth-seeded Hilltoppers (21-12) trailed 62-56 late before rallying with three straight 3-pointers, the first from Anthony Sally and the next two from Slaughter.
Martavius Adams' layup then pulled the Red Wolves (17-14) to within one with 6 seconds to play. After Slaughter missed a free throw, Arkansas State got the ball back, but missed a layup.
Western Kentucky, the two-time defending champion, will face top-seeded Troy on Monday in the semifinals.
Steffphon Pettigrew added 13 points for the Hilltoppers.
Adams and Brandon Reed each scored 17 points to lead No. 5 seed Arkansas State.
