ARLINGTON, Tex. -- Appalachian State men's basketball will look to bounce back on Saturday at UT Arlington. Tip is set for 3 p.m. EST on ESPN+ and the Appalachian Sports Network from IMG Learfield College.
THE SERIES
- This will be the 11th meeting all-time between the two schools with the Mavericks owning an 8-2 edge.
- UT Arlington has won three straight in the series, including an 82-72 victory in Boone on Jan. 10.
LAST TIME OUT
- App State dropped a 74-71 decision at Texas State on Thursday evening.
- Ronshad Shabazz paced the Mountaineers (8-15, 3-7 SBC) with a game-high 23 points, to go along with three rebounds, two assists and a steal. It marks the 20th time this season he has scored in double figures and 95th time in his career. Tyrell Johnson added 12 points on 5-of-9 (55.6 percent) shooting off the bench. Adrian Delph and Justin Forrest chipped in with 10 points each.
- The score was tied at 38-38 at the break. In the second half, the Mountaineers opened a six-point lead. With App State up 62-59, Texas State used a 9-0 run to jump in front 68-62. App State pulled within two points at 70-68 with 1:26 left to play on a pair of free throws from Forrest. Texas State answered with four straight points to take a 74-68 lead, but the Mountaineers scored three straight points to cut the Bobcat lead to 74-71 with five seconds left. The Black and Gold fouled on the ensuing inbound and Mason Harrell missed the front end of the one-and-one, with the Mountaineers grabbing the rebound and calling a timeout. App State threw a long pass and Forrest had a look at a three-pointer to tie the game, but it was off as the buzzer sounded.
SCOUTING THE MOUNTAINEERS
- The Black and Gold stand at 8-15 on the season and 3-7 in Sun Belt play.
- Ronshad Shabazz made the 656th field goal of his career to move into second place all-time in field goals made.
- Ronshad Shabazz has reached double figures in five straight games, including three 20-point performances, and is averaging 18.0 points during that span
- .Over his last eight games, Tyrell Johnson has reached double figures in six and is averaging 12.1 points on 58.5 percent (38-of-65).
- Isaac Johnson is one of the top rebounders in the Sun Belt and the nation. He leads the league in rebounding and is tied for 54th in the nation, averaging 8.7 rebounds per game. His 201 total rebounds also is tied for 51st in the country. Johnson has tallied seven or more rebounds in 17 games this season.
SCOUTING THE MAVERICKS
- UT Arlington stayed in a tie atop the Sun Belt standing with a 74-54 victory over Coastal Carolina on Thursday. The Mavericks stand at 11-12 on the season and 7-3 in Sun Belt play.
- The Mavericks limited the Chanticleers to just 14 field goals made and a 22.6 shooting percent.
- Edric Dennis paced UTA with 14 points and five rebounds. TiAndre Jackson-Young added 13 points and Andres Ibarguen posted a double-double with 12 points and 15 rebounds.
- Edric Dennis is averaging a team-high 15.2 points, with Brian Warren also averaging double figures at 14.2 ppg.
- The Mavericks rank first in the Sun Belt in opponent three-point percentage (.289), second in opponent scoring (69.9) and third in opponent field goal percentage (.428).
UP NEXT
Appalachian State will return to the High Country for three consecutive home games, beginning with a contest on Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. versus Coastal Carolina...The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and can be heard on the Appalachian Sports Network from IMG Learfield College.
