Mountaineers Grind Out 72-67 Overtime Win Over Little Rock

BOONE, N.C. -- The Appalachian State men's basketball team used some tough defense and strong rebounding to post a 72-67 overtime victory over Little Rock on Thursday evening inside the Holmes Center.

After the Trojans (5-16, 2-6 SBC) shot 43.3 percent (13-of-30) in the first half, App State (9-13, 4-5 SBC) limited Little Rock to a combined 28.6 percent (10-of-35) in the second half and overtime. For the game, Little Rock shot 35.9 percent (23-of-65).

In addition, the Mountaineers held a 54-43 edge in rebounding, including a 19-11 advantage on the offensive glass.

Sophomore O'Showen Williams (Macon, Ga./Stratford Academy) paced the Black and Gold with a team-high 13 points, four rebounds and a game-high six assists off the bench. Senior Craig Hinton (Winston-Salem, N.C./East Forsyth) added six points, seven rebounds and a career-high three blocks in a reserve role.

Senior Griffin Kinney (Delaware, Ohio/Fork Union Military Academy) posted his second straight double-double with 10 points (all in the second half) and a career-high tying 12 rebounds. It also marks the second straight game in which Kinney has pulled down 12 boards.

Freshman Justin Forrest (Decatur, Ga./Greenforest McCalep Christian Academy) had 12 points and junior Ronshad Shabazz (Raleigh, N.C./Huntington Prep) tallied 10 points and three assists. Sophomore Isaac Johnson (Charlotte, N.C./Providence Day) chipped in with seven points and 11 rebounds.

After falling behind early 9-5, the Black and Gold would score seven of the next eight points to jump in front 12-10 with just under 13 minutes left in the first half.
 
Little Rock would regain the lead and used a 13-2 run to open a 31-18 advantage with 7:10 left in the first half.
 
From there, the Mountaineers would hold the Trojans scoreless for a span of 5:01 and outscored Little Rock 13-5 over the final seven minutes to trail just 38-32 at the break.
 
In the second half, the Trojans scored the first five points to build a 11-point lead at 43-32.
 
Later in the half, App State would hold Little Rock scoreless for 5:17 span and used a 9-0 run to take a 55-53 lead with 7:32 remaining.
 
With the Apps leading 59-58, Little Rock's Waldy Mompremier would split a pair of free throws to tie the score with 44.3 seconds to play.
 
On Appalachian's next possession, Shabazz fired a three-pointer that rimmed out. A scrum ensued on the floor and a jump ball was called, with possession favoring the Trojans. Little Rock held for the last shot and Jaizec Lottie drove the lane, but his layup attempt was blocked by junior Tyrell Johnson (Atlanta, Ga./Stephenson) to send the game into overtime.
 
The Black and Gold opened the extra session with the first four points, before a trey from Camron Reedus cut the Mountaineers lead to one-point at 63-62 with 3:19 to play.
 
After each team got a defensive stop, Williams was fouled and stepped to the free throw line with 1:51 to play. He hit both free throws to push the Mountaineer lead to 65-62.
 
The Trojans would get a free throw and following a stop, Andre Jones converted a layup and was fouled. He missed the ensuing free throw and the game remained tied at 65-65 with 1:15 to play.
 
On the Mountaineers next possession, Williams drove the lane and found Hinton in the right corner. Hinton drained the trifecta to give the Black and Gold a 68-65 lead with 53 seconds remaining.
 
Little Rock answered with a basket, but Shabazz was fouled and converted on a pair of free throws to put the Mountaineers up 70-67 with 23 seconds.
 
The Trojans would look for a quick two, but missed their attempt. Isaac Johnson was fouled on the rebound and put App State up 72-67 with a pair of free throws with 16 seconds left.
 
Little Rock would miss a trio of threes in the closing seconds, giving the Apps the victory.

Mompremier would finish with a game-high 16 points to go along with six rebounds off the bench for Little Rock. Andre Jones had 15 points and Reddus scored 11 in a reserve role.
 
App State will return to the hardwood on Saturday as they play host to Arkansas State. Tip is set for 3:30 p.m. inside the Holmes Center. The contest will also be broadcast on ESPN3. Tickets are still available for all remaining Appalachian State men's and women's home basketball games. Appalachian State basketball single game tickets can be purchased online by clicking here, by phone at (828) 262-2079 or in person at the Appalachian State athletics ticket office, located at the Holmes Center (Monday - Friday; 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.).