ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Interstat) — The Appalachian State women’s basketball team used a dominant defensive performance to secure a 64-40 victory over UNC Asheville on Saturday at Kimmel Arena.

The Mountaineers improved to 4-2 on the season, while the Bulldogs fell to 2-3.

Appalachian State set the tone early, opening the game on a 9-0 run and holding UNC Asheville scoreless for the first four and a half minutes. The Mountaineers led 17-13 after the first quarter and extended their advantage with a 21-point second quarter, taking a 38-23 lead into halftime. The Bulldogs were unable to mount a comeback in the second half, scoring just six points in the final period.

Defense was the story of the game, as Appalachian State’s pressure overwhelmed the home team. The Mountaineers forced 19 turnovers, converting them into 24 points, while committing only 12 turnovers themselves. Appalachian State also tallied 13 steals and four blocks, with Zoe McCrary and Elena Pericic each recording two blocks.

The Bulldogs struggled mightily on offense, shooting just 15 for 53 from the floor for a 28.3% field goal percentage. They managed only 4 of 21 from three-point range. Appalachian State’s offense, while not efficient from the perimeter either, controlled the interior, outscoring UNC Asheville 40-14 in the paint.

Emma Smith, a 5-foot-7 guard from Vestavia Hills, Alabama, orchestrated the Mountaineers’ attack, finishing with nine points, seven rebounds and six assists in 34 minutes. Daisia Mitchell, a 6-foot forward from Riverside, California, led all scorers with 11 points. Jayden McBride, a 5-10 guard from Erie, Pennsylvania, also contributed 11 points and six rebounds.

For UNC Asheville, Jamaria Freeman, a 5-6 guard from Wilson, North Carolina, led the way with eight points, five rebounds and three assists. Kristen McMillan and Kamaria Gipson each added eight points for the Bulldogs.

The game was played in front of an announced attendance of 341.

Appalachian State looks to continue its momentum when it hosts Norfolk State on Tuesday. UNC Asheville will try to rebound at home against Wofford, also on Tuesday.