Senior Tyler Zeller scored 20 points in the first half and finished with 31 as No. 6 North Carolina routed Appalachian State 97-82 Saturday in Chapel Hill.

The 7-foot forward fell one point shy of matching his career high of 32 set a year ago against Long Island. Zeller made 11 of 15 from the field and 9-of-10 free throws and added a game-high 10 rebounds for the Tar Heels (9-2).

North Carolina also got 17 points and six rebounds from forward John Henson, as the Heels scored 54 points in the paint. Kendall Marshall continued his stellar floor play with 13 assists. Reggie Bullock and P.J. Hairston each scored 10, with all of Hairston’s points coming on free throws.

Appalachian State (4-6) trailed 48-32 at the half and outscored the Heels even in the second period. The Mountaineers were led by reserve Omar Carter with 21 points, while Mike Neal scored 15 and Andre Williamson added 11.

North Carolina is now 5-0 against Appalachian State and has won 23 consecutive home games. The Heels fell three points shy of their fourth100-point game.