CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - Nine first-half three-pointers helped Chattanooga to an early 18-point lead before Appalachian State University rallied in the second half before falling, 85-80, on Saturday evening against the Mocs.
The Mountaineers (12-9, 6-4) pulled within one point on three occasions, including as late as 2:20 remaining in the game, but were unable to get over the hump and take a lead against the division rival. Seven of UTC's last 10 points came at the foul line to ice the game in the final minute.
Donald Sims scored 13 of his game-high 24 points in the first half as the Apps found themselves trailing 51-41 at the intermission. Appalachian shot 51.6 percent from the floor in the opening 20 minutes but made just 3-of-15 deep shots. UTC also owned an early advantage on the glass, and finished the night with 20 second-chance points to ASU's two.
Sims shot 6-of-22 from the floor but made 10-of-11 free throws in the contest. He led the team with three assists and two steals and hauled in two boards as well.
Jeremi Booth matched a career high with 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including 5-of-8 three-pointers. The junior co-led the team with six rebounds and dished out a pair of assists.
Andre Williamson nabbed six boards of his own but the Mountaineers were out-rebounded by the Mocs, 46-37. It was just the third time this season an opponent has out-rebounded the Apps. Williamson also swatted three of the team's five blocks.
Chattanooga's Ridge McKeither and Ty Patterson scored 18 points apiece to lead the team to a 5-5 mark in league play. McKeither added 12 rebounds for a double-double as well.
For Appalachian, Ryann Abraham reached double-figures for the second-straight game with 10 points on 3-of-6 shooting in 21 minutes off the bench. He added three assists and a block.
A bright spot for ASU was free throw shooting, where ASU made 17-of-20 shots, compared to just 17-of-36 for the home team.
The Apps return home on Monday to host King College at 7 p.m. before taking to the road for a pair of weekend SoCon matchups.
