HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (AP) – Teeng Akol scored 23 points and Western Kentucky rallied for a 74-70 win over North Texas on Tuesday night in the championship game of the Sun Belt conference tournament.

The win caps a stunning run for the Hilltoppers (15-18), who earned their first NCAA tournament berth since 2009 by winning four games in as many days. Western Kentucky, which has won six straight overall, opened the season 5-11 — resulting in the firing of coach Ken McDonald.

George Fant finished with 17 points to help the Hilltoppers rally from a 13-point deficit in the second half.

Tony Mitchell scored 18 points to lead the Mean Green (18-14), who were playing in their third straight league championship game.

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