BOONE, N.C. (AP) - Kellen Brand scored 20 points and made all 14 of his free throws as Appalachian State defeated North Carolina-Wilmington 79-68 Friday night in the season opener for both teams.

Brand was 10-for-10 from the free throw line in the first half as the Mountaineers went 15-for-18. They finished the game 33-for-42 (78.6 percent) from the line.

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Appalachian State shot 60.9 percent from the field (14-for-23) in the first half to take a 44-31 lead into halftime.

The Mountaineers extended the lead to 58-39 with 13:27 left, but the Seahawks pulled within 72-68 with 32 seconds remaining.

Appalachian State answered with a 7-0 run, the last four points by Brand, to seal the win.

Donald Sims added 18 points for the Mountaineers, who avenged an 108-101 overtime loss to UNC-Wilmington in last year's opener.

John Fields led the Seahawks with 21 points on 9-for-14 shooting.