BOONE, N.C. -- Deven Simms sank four free throws in the final seconds to total 23 points as Arkansas State sprinted to an early lead but then had to fend off a late Appalachian State rally for a 93-88 win on Saturday.
Arkansas State (8-14, 3-6 Sun Belt Conference) dominated early to take a 56-32 advantage into halftime. The Red Wolves were up 75-51 midway in the second period before Appalachian State rallied to close to 86-81 with :42 remaining. Ronshad Shabazz scored 17 of his 27 points in the final 8:30 to spearhead the rally.