In the Palms Division of the Fort Myers Tip-Off on Tuesday afternoon, Appalachian State showcased intense defense and an impressive shooting display in the second half to dominate UNC-Wilmington with a final score of 86-56.
UNCW (4-1) struggled early in the first half, shooting poorly at 29 percent from the floor. However, they compensated for this by sinking 7-of-17 three-pointers and committing only one turnover.
Trazari White was a standout player for UNCW in the first half, going 7-of-7 from the free-throw line and finishing with 15 points, eight rebounds, and one block.
App State (2-2) also faced shooting challenges in the first half, with a 50 percent shooting rate from the field but only going 2-of-10 from the three-point line. Despite this, their solid performance inside the paint kept them in the game, trailing 34-33 at halftime.
The second half saw the Mountaineers go on a perfect 6-of-6 shooting streak, accompanied by a strong defensive effort that led to a 13-0 run, forging a 47-39 lead with 15 minutes to play.
Despite a brief response from UNCW with a 6-0 run, App State’s defensive pressure held the Seahawks scoreless for three minutes, allowing the Mountaineers to extend their lead to 59-47 with just under ten minutes remaining.
The Mountaineers continued their offensive dominance, finishing the second half with a 70 percent shooting rate and 50 percent from the three-point line, outscoring UNCW 53-22.
App State had five players finish in double figures, with Tre’v Spillers leading with 15 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks. Other key contributors included Donova Gregory, Christo Mantis, and Terence Harcum.
The Mountaineers’ impressive performance was highlighted by their intense defense and remarkable shooting display, ultimately securing a convincing victory over the Seahawks.
For the original article, visit App State defense lifts Mountaineers past Seahawks, 86-56
Laura Davis covers the world of basketball with precision. Her articles explore NBA and college basketball, offering game analysis, player profiles, and highlights. Laura’s passion for hoops is evident in her comprehensive basketball coverage.