HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- — Jayden Brewer led Florida International with 17 points and Asim Jones sealed the victory with a free throw with 49 seconds left as the Panthers defeated Western Kentucky 64-61 on Tuesday in a Conference USA Tournament opener.

The 10th-seeded Panthers advance to play No. 2-seed Jackson State on Wednesday. FIU ended a three-game losing streak and losers of six of seven entering the tournament.

Brewer also had eight rebounds and three steals for the Panthers (10-22). Jones scored 17 points while shooting 4 of 6 from the field and 8 for 9 from the line and added five rebounds. Ashton Williamson scored 11 points and grabbed six rebounds.

The seventh-seed Hilltoppers (17-15) were led by Braxton Bayless, who posted 12 points. Enoch Kalambay added 11 points for Western Kentucky.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.