HATTIESBURG, Miss. (Interstat) — Appalachian State used efficient perimeter shooting and clutch free throws to secure a 70-63 victory over Southern Mississippi in a Sun Belt Conference men’s basketball game Thursday night at Reed Green Coliseum.

The Mountaineers (14-9) built a two-point halftime lead and maintained control throughout the second half. Jalen Tot scored 19 points and Kasen Jennings added 18 for Appalachian State, which shot 8 for 17 from 3-point range. The Golden Eagles (11-12) struggled from deep, making only 3 of 17 attempts.

Tylik Weeks led Southern Mississippi with 21 points. Appalachian State sealed the win at the foul line, making 22 of 29 free throws, including several in the final minute before an announced crowd of 3,164.