In what could be considered the best overall team performance of the season, Appalachian defeated Chattanooga 77-52 in a Southern Conference Tournament semifinal game. Appalachian shot 51% from the field and held Chattanooga to 29% shooting. It was the Mocs second worst shooting effort on the season. Appalachian jumped out to a 24-12 lead with eight minutes to play in the first half, but the Mocs went on a 16-4 run over the next 4:47 to tie the game at 28. Appalachian held a five point halftime lead.

In the second half, the Mountaineers were never really threatened. Anna Freeman hit a three pointer on the opening possession of the second half to put the Mountaineers up eight points. Chattanooga cut the Mountaineer lead to eight points on two occasions in the second half, before the Mountaineers pushed the lead to double digits with 12:54 remaining in the game. The Mountaineers held that double digit lead for the rest of the game and led by as many as twenty seven points before the final margin was reached.

Maryah Sydnor poured in a career high 30 points on 13/18 shooting and grabbed ten rebounds. Three other Mountaineers scored in double figures led by Courtney Freeman with 15 points and 7 rebounds. “TC” Weldon scored 14 points with 5 assists and Anna Freeman scored 12 points with 9 rebounds. Kelsey Sharkey added 10 rebounds and four points.

Appalachian will now play Samford in the conference championship game for the second consecutive season. Appalachian controlled the entire game last year before falling victim to untimely turnovers in the last minute of the game. Samford also defeated Appalachian in the semifinals of the conference tournament two seasons ago.