BOONE, N.C. -- Tab Hamilton scored 17 points and Mike Neal added 15 as Appalachian State pulled away from The Citadel in a 54-45 win Thursday.

Appalachian State (7-15, 3-6 Southern Conference) overcame a scoring drought of more than 7 minutes, hitting three late shots and icing the game at the free-throw line.

Tommy Spagnolo, who had 12 points and 12 rebounds, snapped the drought on a basket with 3:39 remaining to give the Mountaineers a 44-41 lead. Spagnolo also scored a key basket assisted by Neal with 36 seconds left for a 48-43 advantage.

Neal and Hamilton combined to go 6 of 6 at the line in the final 23 seconds. The Bulldogs (4-21, 0-10) made 2 of their last 10 field goal attempts, and the two teams combined for six field goals over the final 8:45.

Quinton Marshall led The Citadel with 13 points and Matt Van Scyoc added 12.