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Lady Apps Dismantles WCU in Basketball Conference Tourney Quarterfinal by Score of 61-43

March 4, 2012. ASHEVILLE — Strong performances by Chakeitha Weldon and Anna Freeman powered Appalachian State University women’s basketball to a 61-43 victory over Southern Conference rival Western Carolina in the quarterfinals of the league’s 2012 tournament on Saturday.
     The Mountaineers (24-5, 17-3 SoCon) raced out to an early double-digit lead and held off a rally by the Catamounts (14-17, 8-12) late in the first half to cruise into the semifinals on Sunday.
     Appalachian State, which led by as many as 19 points (29-10) late in the first half, nearly saw its lead erased as Western Carolina reeled off a 15-0 run over the final five minutes of the half to cut the deficit to just four points (29-25) heading into the break.
    After pushing its lead to as many as 18 points (47-29) with just over nine minutes to go, the Mountaineers would see the Catamounts make one last desperate rally to cut the deficit to 11 points (49-38) at the 7:03 mark.
     Appalachian State never let up after that, reeling off a 12-0 run that put the game out of reach and extended the lead to 23 points (61-38) before Western scored the final five to make it an 18-point victory for ASU.
     Freeman led all players with 17 points and 11 rebounds while Weldon finished with 16 points and a game-high six steals. Courtney Freeman scored 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting and Maryah Sydnor chipped in six points and nine boards in her first-ever postseason game.