RJ Duhard and Dononvan Gregory each scored 12 points to help Appalachian State defeat South Carolina State 81-61 in the season opener for both teams.

Kendall Lewis added 11 and Adrian Delph 10 as the visitors from Boone, N.C. built a 47-20 halftime lead.

Floyd Rideau, Jr. led the Bulldogs with 16 points.:Latavian Lawrence added 10.

The Bulldogs will be on the road Saturday when they play at Bowling Green.