New Orleans ? Patrick Sparks hit the game-winning shot as time expired to lead No. 18 Western Kentucky to a 73-72 victory over New Mexico State in the semifinals of the Sun Belt tournament Monday night.

With the Hilltoppers trailing 72-71, Sparks took the inbounds pass and launched a shot from just inside the three-point line to give Western Kentucky (27-3) its 17th straight victory.

Chris Marcus scored 18 points, Derek Robinson had 15 points and five assists, Sparks had 14 points and five assists, and David Boyden 13 points for WKU.