BOONE, N.C. - Following a grueling opening weekend in which the Mountaineers played two games in less than 24 hours, Appalachian State University men's basketball returns home to host nearby Lees-McRae on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

After a season-opening win on Friday against UNC Wilmington, the Mountaineers dropped a 62-58 nailbiter at East Tennessee State. Donald Sims had 14 points in the effort while Isaac Butts led the team in rebounding for a second-straight game with 12 boards. The big man averages 9.5 rebounds and 9.0 points per game.

Sims leads ASU with 16.0 points per game, while senior Kellen Brand is right behind with 14.0. Brand became the 28th ASU player in history to reach 1,000 career points when he knocked down a three-pointer in the second half against the Bucs.

Ryann Abraham has also had a solid start to his senior campaign, as the guard has led the Apps in both assists and steals in both contests. He has also added 8.0 points per contest.

Scouting Lees-McRae
• The only action for the Bobcats this season has been an exhibition at Furman last Friday.
• LMC went 2-29 last season with both wins coming against Conference Carolinas opponents.
• In the Paladins’ season opener, Jordan Miller scored 23 points in the 88-49 win.
• FU might have had a larger margin of victory had the team not mistakenly scored a three-pointer in the wrong basket.
• Daniel Sepokas led LMC with 12 points in the game with five free throws.
• Lees-McRae shot 31 percent from the floor, and struggled at 1-of-6 from downtown.
• Adam McFerran added seven points and six rebounds off the bench while Sam Youse pitched in eight points.

The Series
• Tuesday is just the third meeting between the two High Country teams.
• The Apps have won both meetings, including a Nov. 27, 1999 meeting under Buzz Peterson.
• In the last meeting, Shawn Alexander led the Mountaineers with 24 points while Rufus Leach added 21.
• Matt McMahon also stood out in that contest with a career-high 22 points on 6-of-11 three-point shooting. The current ASU assistant made all four of his free throw attempts in the game and pulled in four rebounds to accompany his two steals and two assists.
• Dan Tollens led the Bobcats with 21 points in the game.

Following Tuesday's contest, ASU takes to the road for a Friday contest at Arkansas, followed by a Monday tilt at Louisville.