PORTLAND, Ore. Western Kentucky is at it again.

The 12th-seeded Hilltoppers, who made an unexpected run in the NCAA tournament last year, pulled off a first-round upset of fifth-seeded Illinois, 76-72 last night in the South Regional.

Steffphon Pettigrew had 17 points to lead Western Kentucky (25-8) which led by as many as 17 points but had to hold off a late charge by the Illini (24-10).

Illinois made a late run to close to make it a one-possession game in the final minute.

Meacham had a season-high 24 points for the Illini, who were without senior defensive specialist Chester Frazier, who had surgery on his right hand last week.

Western Kentucky will face Gonzaga (27-5) tomorrow in the second round.

Gonzaga 77, Akron 64

Josh Heytvelt scored 22 points seven during a decisive late run and Gonzaga rallied to get past determined but ultimately overwhelmed Akron last night in the South Regional.

Micah Downs added 15 points for fourth-seeded Bulldogs (27-5).

Nate Linhart scored 13 points in the first half for Akron (23-13), who won the Mid-American Conference tournament to get in to their first NCAA Tournament in 23 years.

Purdue 61, No. Iowa 56

Fifth-seeded Purdue held off a late charge by 12th-seeded Northern Iowa for a victory in a rugged first-round game.

E’Twaun Moore had his right shoulder encased in ice and wrapped in plastic after his game-high 17 points. Robbie Hummel, who had both knees similarly sheathed, had nine points and a game-high 12 rebounds.

The Boilermakers will play Washington tomorrow in the second round of the West Regional.

Washington 71, Miss. State 58

Quincy Pondexter scored a season-high 23 points and fourth-seeded Washington took advantage of early foul trouble to Mississippi State’s Jarvis Varnado to race past the 13th-seeded Bulldogs in the West Regional.

W. Kentucky 76 Illinois 72