Josh Hunter News

Appalachian State was in the process of hanging on for a victory in its Southern Conference opener last night, when its grip slipped.

Appalachian State, coming off two strong showings in nonconference games, will try to parlay that into a successful Southern Conference opener when it plays Furman tonight in Boone.

Appalachian State's bid for a second upset against Arkansas fell just short last night.

Freshman forward Marshawn Powell scored a career-high 29 points and grabbed seven rebounds as Arkansas held off Appalachian State 81-72 in overtime Friday night.

ASU senior guard Kellen Brand led the team last season with 14.8 points per game and earned all-conference honors from the Southern Conference's media and coaches.

The coach may be new to the players, but those who have been around Boone for a while are very familiar with Buzz Peterson.

Last season's record: 13-18 Coach: Buzz Peterson Last NCAA Tournament bid: 2000, lost to Ohio State 87-61. Strengths: Experience, rebounding Weakness: Turnovers Best returning players: G Ryann Abraham, G Kellen Brand, C Ike Butts, F Josh Hunter, G Donald Sims Best newcomer: F Nathan Healy Key losses: None Keys to the season: Reducing turnovers is ...

The first order of business for Buzz Peterson, who has returned for a second term as the head coach at Appalachian State, is an obvious one.

The Mountaineers bring back two of the premier rebounders in the Southern Conference from a year ago.

Appalachian State got a jump start toward basketball season in August with 10 practices, which led up to two exhibition games in the Bahamas.

Buzz Peterson, back as the men's basketball coach at Appalachian State , said he learned a lot about his team during last week's exhibition games in the Bahamas.

Buzz Peterson, back as the men's basketball coach at Appalachian State , said he learned a lot about his team during last week's exhibition games in the Bahamas.