Western Kentucky (4-3) led for most of the second half and was ahead 83-81 with 35 seconds remaining. Jarelle Reischel hit a 3-pointer to give the Colonels an 84-83 lead with 19 seconds left.
Johnson was looking to pass the ball as the seconds ticked off, but hit his only trey for the win.
Aaron Cosby made 8 of 11 from long range for 26 points to lead the Hilltoppers. Johnson was 10 of 15 from the floor and grabbed 11 rebounds. Chris McNeal had nine points and handed out six assists.
Jaylen Babb-Harrison was 6 of 7 from beyond the arc for 18 points to lead Eastern Kentucky (6-2). JaVontae Hawkins had 17 points and Reischell finished with 16 points
