Forrest carries Appalachian St. over South Alabama 81-71

MOBILE, Ala. (AP) — Justin Forrest had a season-high 32 points as Appalachian State defeated South Alabama 81-71 on Thursday night.

Forrest made 9 of 10 foul shots. He added six assists.

The game marked the Sun Belt Conference opener for both teams.

Isaac Johnson had 16 points and 10 rebounds for Appalachian State (7-4). Kendall Lewis added 9 points. James Lewis Jr had 7 points for the visitors.

Appalachian State entered the locker room at halftime trailing narrowly, 39-37, but the Mountaineers were able to outscore the Jaguars 44-32 in the second half to pull away for the victory. The Jaguars’ 32 second-half points were a season low for the team.

Andre Fox had 24 points for the Jaguars (6-5). Josh Ajayi added 16 points and seven rebounds. Trhae Mitchell had 12 points.

Appalachian State takes on Troy on the road on Saturday. South Alabama plays Coastal Carolina at home on Saturday.