CHARLESTON, S.C. - Appalachian State University men's basketball fell behind early at The Citadel and was unable to make up much ground as the Bulldogs shot 61.8 percent from the field and took away an 81-63 win on Thursday night at McAlister Fieldhouse.

Donald Sims scored 19 of the Mountaineers' (8-10, 4-4  SoCon) season-low 25 first-half points and added nine more in the second half to lead all scorers with 28 in the contest.

The senior's strong start was not enough to keep Appalachian afloat early on as the home team raced out to a 28-13 lead and increased it to as many as 19 points before the intermission.

Sims shot 9-of-16 from the floor with four treys and a 6-of-6 mark at the free throw line in the contest, in addition to grabbing two rebounds.

The Apps shot just 29.6 percent in the first half but turned around well after the intermission with a 51.6 clip in the second half to even out at 41.4 percent (25-of-58) in the game. ASU was proficient from the foul line throughout the night as well, adding 10-of-11 attempts and adding five three-pointers in 19 shots from beyond the arc.

After a scoreless first half, Petey Hausley sank 6-of-9 attempts in the second half to finish with 12 points and five rebounds. The forward's effort helped cut the deficit down to 12 points midway through the half, but ASU was never able to rally further and pull within single digits.

Cameron Wells led four Bulldogs (7-13, 3-5) in double figures with 19 points on 8-of-14 shooting with six rebounds and six of The Citadel's 18 assists. Mike Groselle chipped in 18 points on 9-of-12 shooting with five boards for the Cadets.

The teams tied at 28 rebounds apiece as Andre Williamson pulled in a game-high seven. The junior scored three points in the contest as well.

Anthony Breeze notched a season-high nine points on 3-of-5 shooting with three free throws for the Apps. The junior chipped in four rebounds and a pair of assists as well.

Marcus Wright scored seven points off the bench to accompany three rebounds, an assist and one of ASU's two steals.

Appalachian scored 18 second-chance points from 12 offensive rebounds and scored 12 points off of 12 Citadel turnovers. The Bulldogs held a 44-34 point advantage in the paint but were held without a single fast-break basket.

The Mountaineers complete their Low Country road trip on Saturday afternoon at College of Charleston. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. and the contest will be broadcast regionally on SportSouth.