SAN MARCOS, Texas -- Emani Gant scored a career-high 26 points -- including the game-clinching free throws -- and hauled down 12 rebounds as Texas State escaped a close game with Appalachian State 69-68 on Thursday night, breaking a five-game skid.

The 6-foot-8 senior shot 10-for-16 from the floor and was a perfect 6-for-6 at the foul line, including a crucial pair that staked the Bobcats to a 69-66 lead with 25 seconds left.

Jacob Lawson pulled Appalachian State to within 69-68 with 16 seconds left and Texas State (10-12, 4-9 Sun Belt) survived when Kavin Gilder-Tilbury turned the ball over only to have App State's Ronshad Shabazz' 3-pointer for the win just miss at the buzzer. Shabazz shot with a hand in his face.

Frank Eaves led the Mountaineers (6-18, 4-9) with 13 points, Chris Burgess added 12 and Shabazz 11. Appalachian State has lost four straight games.