Appalachian State holds off Samford 68-63

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Omar Carter scored 17 points as Appalachian State fended off a late Samford run to secure a 68-63 win Thursday night.

The Mountaineers (6-7, 2-1 Southern Conference) shook off an early 16-4 deficit with a 20-4 run over the next 6:45.

Appalachian State extended its lead to 11 points before a Samford tip-in at the buzzer made it 37-28 at the half.

The Bulldogs (3-10, 0-2) chipped away, getting within a point twice, the second time with 2:45 to go to make it 62-61.

Carter answered with a layup and, after a foul shot by Samford’s Jeffrey Merritt, Andre Williamson hit a jumper with 56 seconds left to push the lead back to four.

Nathan Healy added 14 points for the Mountaineers, Tab Hamilton had 12, Mike Neal 11 and Williamson 10.

Drew Windler led the Bulldogs with 15 points and Merritt had 14 points and 10 rebounds.