BOONE, N.C. (Interstat) — Appalachian State defeated Louisiana-Monroe 59-43 in a Sun Belt Conference men’s basketball game Friday afternoon at Holmes Center.

The Mountaineers led 28-20 at halftime and maintained control throughout the second half before an announced crowd of 805. MJ Russell led all scorers with 21 points for Louisiana-Monroe. Appalachian State’s Luke Wilson posted 14 points and five blocks, while Michael Marcus added 14 points.

Appalachian State improved to 13-9 overall. Louisiana-Monroe dropped its fourth consecutive game, falling to 3-18.