Hampton upends Appalachian State 82-61 behind Darden's 21

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) Brian Darden scored 21 points and Reginald Johnson Jr. added 19 to lead Hampton past Appalachian State 82-61 Friday night.

After a tight first half, Hampton (2-1) used a 17-8 run at the beginning of the second, highlighted by 8 points from Darden - coming on two 3-pointers and a layup. That spurt made it 60-48 and Appalachian State (1-2) trailed by at least 11 points the rest of the game.

Darden hit 6 of 11 field goals, including 4 of 6 from 3-point range. Jervon Pressley had 11 points, 10 rebounds and six blocked shots while Quinton Chievous added 10 rebounds. The Pirates outrebounded the Mountaineers 49-35.

Appalachian State's Frank Eaves scored 22 points on 8-for-12 shooting and connected on all three of his 3s. Ronshad Shabazz added 12 points.