Neal helps UT-Arlington beat Appalachian State 71-67

BOONE, N.C. (AP) Erick Neal scored five of his 13 points in the final three minutes and Texas-Arlington pulled away and beat Appalachian State 71-67 on Thursday night for its seventh-straight victory.

Jalen Jones had 14 points to lead Texas-Arlington (12-2, 3-0 Sun Belt). Kevin Hervey chipped in nine points with 10 rebounds and three steals.

Hervey split a pair of free throws, capping a 5-0 spurt to give the Mustangs a 62-60 lead with 4:46 left. Ronshad Shabazz's jumper tied it at 62-all before Neal made 2 of 4 free throws and a 3-pointer to make it 67-62 with 39 seconds left.

Jake Babic answered with a 3, but the Mustangs made four more free throws to seal it.

Frank Eaves scored 21 points on 7-of-17 shooting to lead Appalachian State (2-12, 0-3). Babic had six points and four assists.