Sims scores 29, leads balanced scoring for Appalachian St in 89-77 win over Western Carolina

Appalachian St. holds off W. Carolina 89-77

CULLOWHEE, N.C. — Donald Sims scored 29 points, leading four Appalachian State players in double figures as the Mountaineers held off Western Carolina 89-77 on Saturday.

Isaac Butts added 14 points while Josh Hunter and Marcus Wright had 10 points apiece for the Mountaineers (13-10, 7-4 Southern Conference). Appalachian State completed a sweep of the season series with Western Carolina, a feat the Mountaineers have accomplished five of the past six seasons.

Sims was 8-of-11 shooting with four 3-pointers and went 9-for-9 from the foul line for Appalachian State, which finished 24-for-28 at the stripe (85.7 percent). The Catamounts were just 7-for-13 on free throws (53.8 percent).

The Mountaineers shot 60 percent from the field (30-for-50) compared to a 44.8 mark (30-for-67) for the Catamounts.

Brandon Giles and Jake Robinson scored 19 points apiece for Western Carolina (18-6, 8-4).