Appalachian MBB @ Texas

The final score may hint at a close battle that eventually swayed toward the home team. It was that game, but it was masked by a dreadful offensive performance by the Mountaineers, who fell 67-55 to Texas.

The Apps shot a tidy 30% from the field for the entire game. Appalachian was able to hang around thanks to knocking down 12 three-pointers, but only managed to hit six other field goals in the game. Texas recorded 15 blocks which was part of the reason for a poor shooting night by the Apps. 

Outside a game high 20 points from Frank Eaves, Appalachian failed to develop a second scorer. Emarius Logan chipped in 8 points and 6 rebounds. Sharp shooting specialist Matt O’Boyle knocked down two three pointers in limited action. 

Fortunately, App was able to cover the spread, which seemed like a rather easy play with the line sitting at 20 points. The pick was made with this tweet. The ATS win puts Appalachian at 3-2 on the year. 

Appalachian faces Charlotte in Boone on Saturday, Dec 19th. 

Men’s Basketball @ Tulane

The Mountaineers suffered a setback to Hampton on Friday evening, falling 82-61 to Hampton. The Pirates are a veteran bunch, having won a game in the NCAA tournament a year ago. 

The Mountaineers were in foul trouble most of the game and were victims of a near seven minute scoring drought in the first half. Frank Eaves led the Apps with 22 points. 

There was no line for the game, which makes that the second time in three games in which Vegas was caught snoozing. The Apps are 0-1 against the spread, as am I, taking the Apps to cover against Furman. 

This afternoon, Tulane sits as a 6.5 point favorite after the line opened at 6. Tulane is 1-2 on the season, with losses to Alabama A&M in overtime and Southern. The Green Wave knocked off Drake on Monday in overtime. Tulane’s offense has improved each game, improving their points scored in each game. 

The Apps have struggled mightily on defense. Opponents have managed to shoot 43% from the field and 43% from behind the arc in three games. App will have to dig deep to find wind to turn in a decent defensive performance after being on the road since Thursday. 

The Pick: Tulane -6.5 

Men’s Basketball vs Furman

Appalachian hosts the Paladins in a non-conference matchup Tuesday night from the Holmes Convocation Center. Furman claimed a ten point win over Presbyterian last Friday while the Mountaineers downed Jacksonville by eight on Saturday. 

The Apps were lead by Chris Burgess’ 18 points in the win over JU while Emarius Logan added 13 in the victory. Furman might be without Stephen Croone who led the Paladins in scoring last season. Croone is dealing with a thumb injury. 
Appalachian is a 3.5 point favorite. No line was available for the Jacksonville game. The official pick is for Appalachian -3.5 considering Furman only managed 63 points in their first outing and App looks to improve on a 76 point output in which they missed a lot of easy shots.