BOONE, N.C. -- Appalachian State University men's basketball struggled down the stretch, falling 75-71 to South Alabama in a back-and-forth affair on Thursday at the Holmes Center.
The Mountaineers (6-20, 4-11 Sun Belt) shot the ball cold early, allowing the Jaguars (12-15, 7-9 Sun Belt) an early lead, but regained momentum late, forcing a 33-33 tie going into the second half.
South Alabama came out of the break hot, shooting a blistering 48.5 percent in the second half to push the lead out to six, but foul trouble would keep App State close.
Frank Eaves led the Mountaineers in scoring with 27 points, his 13th 20-plus scoring game of the season.