BOONE, N.C.- Appalachian State University women's basketball outscored George Mason by 14 points in second half action, and cruised past the Patriots, picking up a 74-54 win Wednesday evening at the Holmes Center. With the victory, ASU snaps a two-game losing streak and improves to 5-6 on the season and 2-3 on its home floor, while GMU drops to 7-4 overall.

After the Black and Gold headed into the break up by six points, the Patriots came out strong to open the second period, as a jumper by Brittany Eley cut the Apps lead to just four points. Appalachian however would answer, going on a 12-2 streak that proved to be the difference-maker in the game.

Catherine Williams, Ashlen Dewart and Courtney Freeman all contributed to the run, making the score 50-36 with just under 13 minutes to play in the game.

Dewart finished the game in double-figures for the ninth-straight time, pouring in a team-high 13 points to go along with two rebounds. Courtney Freeman was impressive as well, as she closed out the game with nine boards and nine points.

George Mason would never come closer than 13 points, as the Mountaineers got offensive production from all over, with Chakeitha Weldon and Anna Freeman providing sparks for the Apps.

Anna Freeman posted her third double-double of her young career, totaling a game-high 10 boards and 10 points.

A made free throw shot by Sade' Means with 44 seconds to play gave ASU its largest advantage of the contest, leading by 23 points, but a final three-pointer by Janaa Pickard earned Appalachian the 20 point win to end the contest.

The Mountaineers never trailed, after jumping out to a commanding 21-10 advantage at the start. Two treys by Kesley Sharkey and Dewart helped give ASU the cushy 12 point lead.

George Mason would not go away quietly, storming back, as Eley led GMU's 10-2 run to cut the Patriots deficit to just seven points, making the score 31-24 with 6:55 to go before the half.

ASU was able to stave off the pesky Patriot squad and notch a six point advantage heading into intermission.

A strong second half, led by 42 percent field goal shooting and an 83 percent mark from the charity stripe pushed Appalachian to the stout 20 point win.

The victory marked the Appalachian State women's basketball program's 50th win in the Holmes Center since the building opened back in the 2000-2001 season. It also gave Appalachian its final win of 2009, making it the first time ASU closed out a year with a win since December 30, 2005 when the Apps defeated Nicholls State.

ASU continues with the 2009-10 campaign, as the Black and Gold jump back into league play, welcoming Elon to the Holmes Center Saturday January 2. Tip off against the Phoenix is slated for 3 p.m.