It was not a pretty game for the Mountaineers, but luckily, it was even uglier for the Catamounts. Appalachian struggled to a four point halftime lead, but turned up the defense and only allowed 14  points and 18% shooting to Western in the second half. For the game, it was the best defensive effort of the season, giving up only 39 points, which is less than a point per minute for the entire game. It was the fewest points allowed all season, besting the 41 points allowed to Gardner Webb in the season’s third game. It was the sixth time this season Appalachian failed to reach 60 points. The Mountaineers are 3-3 in those games. Appalachian is 13-0 when scoring 60 points or more.

Appalachian remains in first place in the Southern Conference after Monday’s full slate of games. Chattanooga, Davidson, Samford and Wofford all kept pace with the Mountaineers with wins on Monday. Davidson’s win over Furman was the only game that appeared to be a good matchup, before the Wildcats stomped the Paladins by 21 points. The biggest game this weekend is most likely Elon (6-6) hosting Furman (7-5). It is must win for both teams if they hope to grab a top 3 seed in the SoCon Women’s Tournament. Reminder, the importance of a top three seed in the tournament is being able to play one less game on the way to the championship.

STANDINGS 

Appalachian 10-1

Chattanooga 10-2

Davidson 9-2

Samford 8-4

Furman 7-5

Elon 6-6