Ryann Abraham News

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

The first official game of the season is always an exciting time for teams. It was extra special for the Bucs on Saturday for several reasons.

Adam Sollazzo scored 13 to lead East Tennessee State to a 62-58 win over Appalachian State on Saturday.

Buzz Peterson, who began his second term as coach at Appalachian State, talked about first impressions before last night's season-opening game.

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.

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.

SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: As two of the team's four new players are transfers and will sit out this season, the quest to squeeze new faces into an already experienced lineup won't be quite as difficult.

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

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.