4:30: We are live from Holmes Convocation Center in Boone for today's Southern Conference showdown between App State and the visiting Catamounts from Western Carolina! Jamie is taking a day off, so I am here filling in and hope to bring you the same amount of coverage that you are used to. This game is a huge North Division showdown. Western Carolina leads the division with a 4-2 SoCon record and a 9-7 overall. Appy State is 3-5 in the conference and sports a 6-10 record. The Apps are looking to break a four game losing streak as they start a three game home stand. If your around the house, this game is being broadcast LIVE on SportSouth, and we will have updates all through the game.
4:45: Some quick pregame notes: App dropped their last name on Wednesday to College of Charleston 88-80 after the team rallied from a 17-point defict. A 66-52 setback at The Citadel on Thursday was the third loss in four games for the Catamounts who were previously unbeaten in SoCon play.
4:55: The teams are on the floor for final shootaround, and we are almost ready for player introductions!
5:06: The tip is up and we are on the way!
5:10: First media timeout at 15:53 remaining in the second half. The Mountaineers are up 7-4 as Kellen Brand has accounted for all seven points in the contest for the Apps. So far, it has been a physical game, and the refs are letting them play.
5:23: The Mountaineers call timeout at 9:16 remaining. The Catamounts have went on a 18 to 6 run since the media timeout as Appalachian has squandered several opportunites.
5:24: After one Mountaineer offensive shot, its time for the media timeout. App has had chances but hasn't been able to capitlize. The physical style of play has continued, however, it seems the Mountaineers cannot get any anything going. So far, the Catamounts have outrebounded App 10-7 and have taken 12 more shots then the Mountaineers.
5:30: Media timeoutat 7:29. App has pulled within seven points, 25 to 18. There is a nice crowd in Holmes, and they have been quite vocal so far.
5:35: The Catamounts have gotten called for traveling on their last two poessiesions, and the Mountaineers recieved an excellent steal and layup from Ryann Abraham. Western still leads 27-22 with 4:50 left.
5:37: The Catamounts responded to the traveling outbreak with five straight points to push
their lead to 12. Mountaineers called a 30 second timeout.
4:45: Some quick pregame notes: App dropped their last name on Wednesday to College of Charleston 88-80 after the team rallied from a 17-point defict. A 66-52 setback at The Citadel on Thursday was the third loss in four games for the Catamounts who were previously unbeaten in SoCon play.
4:55: The teams are on the floor for final shootaround, and we are almost ready for player introductions!
5:06: The tip is up and we are on the way!
5:10: First media timeout at 15:53 remaining in the second half. The Mountaineers are up 7-4 as Kellen Brand has accounted for all seven points in the contest for the Apps. So far, it has been a physical game, and the refs are letting them play.
5:23: The Mountaineers call timeout at 9:16 remaining. The Catamounts have went on a 18 to 6 run since the media timeout as Appalachian has squandered several opportunites.
5:24: After one Mountaineer offensive shot, its time for the media timeout. App has had chances but hasn't been able to capitlize. The physical style of play has continued, however, it seems the Mountaineers cannot get any anything going. So far, the Catamounts have outrebounded App 10-7 and have taken 12 more shots then the Mountaineers.
5:30: Media timeoutat 7:29. App has pulled within seven points, 25 to 18. There is a nice crowd in Holmes, and they have been quite vocal so far.
5:35: The Catamounts have gotten called for traveling on their last two poessiesions, and the Mountaineers recieved an excellent steal and layup from Ryann Abraham. Western still leads 27-22 with 4:50 left.
5:37: The Catamounts responded to the traveling outbreak with five straight points to push
their lead to 12. Mountaineers called a 30 second timeout.5:45: The Mountaineers have closed the gap to three at the break. Western leads 34-31 after having a 12 point lead at the last media timeout. (We are having some computer issues, but should be back now.) Kellen Brand is putting on a show as he has 19 of App's 31 points so far in the contest.
6:00: It is almost time to start the second half. At the break, the Mountaineer football team was honored for its' fourth straight SoCon title. A look at the stats: App has shot 57.9% from the floor as they are 11 of 19. Western has shot a lower 40% but is 13 of 32. Both teams are 40% from behind the arc.
6:05: First App series: Brand hits a 3-pointer to tie the game at 34.
6:08: What a difference a halftime break can make. The Apps have taken a 41-36 lead after Brand and Sims nailed 3-pointers. Josh Hunter got a steal and was fouled while doing a layup with foul shot pending. The Catamounts were forced to call a timeout. Since the last media timeout in the first half, App outscored the Catamounts 19-2.
6:15: The App lead is down to two at 43-41 as the Mountaineers have quickly accured three team fouls. Interesting note at this point is that Brand has 22, the rest of the Apps 21.
6:17: Media timeout: App 43-41. Not much has changed. The tempo favored the Mountaineers the first part of this half, but Western is getting it back to more of their style. The gameday
atmosphere is quite a treat.
atmosphere is quite a treat.6:25: Media timeout: App trails 48-46 with 11:49 remaining. This game has became a even style of play. App is shooting 55%, and is taking advantage this half of their offensive opportunites.
6:31: Western has called a timeout at 9:29 remaining in the contest as the Mountaineers have taken a 54-50 lead. The App defense has turned up the pressure on the Catamounts. The crowd is getting more vocal as this game progresses.
6:35: App is getting production from some other players has Brand has taken a rest. Josh Hunter has stepped up with nine points so far. App 57-52.
6:42: Oddly, we are at a media timeout with 6:42 remaining. App continues to lead 59-56 with two free throws on the way after the break. The tempo in this game as quickened and so has the emotions. This game is important for both teams.
6:48: Media timeout as App leads 66-64 with 3:53 remaining. Brand has 27 points so far. Both teams are making mistakes that are costing them. Western is pushing trying to get things to happen, luckly for them App has thrown some shots up in the same fashion. Both teams are proving they are teams to watch out for.
6:56: Timeout with 1:57 to go. App is up by three 70-67, and it is their poessesion when we come back. A great game looks to have an excellent ending.
6:59: App 70-69 with Sims on the line.
7:02: Sims converted and App holds a 72-70 lead with Brand on the line. Brand was slow to get up on the play. 27.4 remaining.
7:03 Brand hits both shots as App leads 74-70.
7:04: Next Catamount offensive shot is missed and Hunter is fouled and sent to the line with 14.1 left. Both shots are good as App leads 76-70. The 'Neers take a 30 second timeout. App looks determined not to let this win slip out of their hands.
7:06: FINAL APPs 76-70. Brand ends the game with 31 points. This is a major victory for App has it brings the Northern Division lead into the their grasp. For more coverage of this game check the Avery Journal-Times Sports Blog for more on this game.
