GREENSBORO, N.C. – UNC Greensboro made just one field goal over the final seven minutes and Appalachian State made six of their final nine free throws down the stretch as the Spartans fell, 75-69, on Monday evening in the Greensboro Coliseum.
The Spartans fell to 5-19 on the year and 4-9 in the Southern Conference, while the Mountaineers improved to 14-10 this season and 8-4 in the league. Coupled with Elon’s win over Western Carolina, Appalachian State took over first place in the SoCon’s North Division.
Freshman Kyle Randall paced the Spartans with 18 points and senior Mikko Koivisto added 16. Ben Stywall grabbed 11 rebounds, but was held without a field goal and finished with just seven points. Stywall, who was playing in his 115th consecutive game, was held without a field goal for only the second time in the past 88 games.
Donald Sims had 16 points for the Mountaineers and Kellen Brand matched that mark, despite fouling out with over four minutes remaining in the game. Josh Hunter also finished in double figures as he added 10 points and 11 rebounds for his third double-double of the year.