Myrtle Beach, SC, February 9, 2026
News Summary
In a thrilling contest at HTC Center, the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers men’s basketball team achieved a remarkable 94-91 victory over the UMass Minutemen during the SBC–MAC Challenge. This triple-overtime showdown highlighted intense determination and teamwork from both teams, showcasing the essence of collegiate athletics. Notably, standout performances from several players, including a game-winning shot in the final seconds, underscored the resilience and strategic adjustments made throughout the game. This victory not only represents a significant achievement for Coastal Carolina but also enhances the sense of pride within the local community.
Myrtle Beach, SC — A showcase of unwavering resolve and athletic prowess unfolded at the HTC Center on Saturday, February 7, 2026, as the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers men’s basketball team secured a monumental 94-91 triple-overtime victory against the UMass Minutemen during the SBC–MAC Challenge. This thrilling contest not only highlighted the intense competitive spirit within collegiate athletics but also underscored the values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance that resonate deeply within higher education.
The hard-fought win serves as a testament to the Chanticleers’ commitment to excellence, reflecting the diligent work of student-athletes and coaching staff. Such performances are integral to the vibrant campus life at Coastal Carolina University and contribute significantly to the broader landscape of South Carolina higher education. Beyond the final score, these events foster a sense of community and pride, demonstrating how athletic endeavors can build leadership qualities and offer positive inspiration across the region.
Chanticleers Triumph in Marathon Matchup
The game against UMass was a true test of endurance and strategy, extending into three overtimes before a decisive conclusion. Coastal Carolina secured a 94-91 victory on their home court at the HTC Center. This win marked a significant achievement for the Chanticleers, representing the program’s first triple-overtime success since 1977. The high-stakes environment of the SBC–MAC Challenge provided an ideal platform for both teams to demonstrate their capabilities, emphasizing the strategic partnerships that elevate collegiate sports.
Key Performances Drive Victory
Several Coastal Carolina players delivered standout performances crucial to the team’s historic win. Rasheed Jones led the scoring for the Chanticleers with 26 points and contributed three steals. AJ Dancler added 24 points, showcasing efficient shooting from the field (9-for-16) and beyond the arc (6-for-9), alongside eight rebounds. The game’s pivotal moment arrived when Joshua Beadle sank a go-ahead three-pointer with merely 1.4 seconds remaining in the third overtime, ultimately sealing the victory. Beadle finished the game with 23 points, including five points scored in the triple-overtime period. Additionally, Reggie Hill made a substantial contribution with 11 points and an impressive 13 rebounds.
Resilience and Strategic Adjustments
The Chanticleers displayed remarkable resilience throughout the game. After trailing 32-21 at halftime, Coastal Carolina mounted a comeback, tying the score at 59 points with 3:01 left in the second half. The regulation period concluded with a 64-64 tie, pushing the game into overtime. In a back-and-forth battle, UMass managed to tie the score at 83 at the end of the second overtime with a buzzer-beating shot, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams. However, Coastal Carolina maintained composure, ultimately pulling ahead in the final moments of the third overtime.
The SBC–MAC Challenge: Fostering Collegiate Competition
The SBC–MAC Challenge represents a strategic collaboration between the Sun Belt Conference and the Mid-American Conference, designed to provide high-quality non-conference competition for their respective men’s and women’s basketball teams. This initiative, extended through the 2026-27 season, facilitates competitive matchups between 13 teams from each conference, enhancing the visibility and strength of collegiate basketball. UMass joined the MAC for the 2025-26 season, marking their participation in this challenge series. Such events are pivotal in developing student-athletes and showcasing the talent cultivated within universities, including those in the Myrtle Beach SC college news sphere.
UMass’s Strong Performance
While Coastal Carolina emerged victorious, the UMass Minutemen also exhibited exceptional skill and determination. K’Jei Parker delivered a career-best performance, scoring 31 points and grabbing six rebounds. Marcus Banks Jr. contributed 21 points and two steals, notably sending the game into its third overtime with a buzzer-beater at the end of the second overtime. Daniel Hankins-Sanford achieved a career-high 20 rebounds, marking the most for a UMass player since 1976, along with 10 points for his ninth double-double of the season. Leonardo Bettiol also added 17 points and 10 rebounds, earning his sixth double-double.
Leadership and Community Impact
The game epitomized the core tenets of athletic and academic development: leadership through performance, personal responsibility in critical moments, and the cultivation of a disciplined approach to challenges. Under head coach Justin Gray, the Chanticleers demonstrated the profound impact of collective effort and strategic guidance. Such high-profile athletic achievements not only bring recognition to Coastal Carolina University but also foster a sense of shared accomplishment and community pride across the Grand Strand and within the broader context of South Carolina higher education.
Game Statistics Summary
| Statistic | Coastal Carolina | UMass |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 94 | 91 |
| Overtime Periods | 3 | 3 |
| Halftime Score | 21 | 32 |
| Rasheed Jones Points | 26 | – |
| AJ Dancler Points | 24 | – |
| Joshua Beadle Points | 23 | – |
| K’Jei Parker Points | – | 31 |
| Marcus Banks Jr. Points | – | 21 |
| Daniel Hankins-Sanford Rebounds | – | 20 |
| CCU Program Triple-OT Wins Since 1977 | 1 | – |
The Coastal Carolina men’s basketball team’s triple-overtime victory against UMass in the SBC–MAC Challenge stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and teamwork. This memorable game highlights the dedication of student-athletes and coaches within the dynamic environment of collegiate sports. As Coastal Carolina continues its athletic season, the spirit of this hard-fought win will undoubtedly serve as a source of motivation and pride. We encourage all members of the Myrtle Beach community to continue supporting the Chanticleers and to stay engaged with Myrtle Beach SC college news, celebrating the ongoing achievements in academics, research, and athletics that enrich our local institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Coastal Carolina vs. UMass men’s basketball game?
The final score of the Coastal Carolina men’s basketball game against UMass was 94-91 in favor of Coastal Carolina.
How many overtimes were played in the game?
The game between Coastal Carolina and UMass went into triple overtime.
Who were the top scorers for Coastal Carolina in the game?
Rasheed Jones led Coastal Carolina with 26 points, followed by AJ Dancler with 24 points, and Joshua Beadle with 23 points.
Which player hit the game-winning shot for Coastal Carolina?
Joshua Beadle hit a go-ahead three-pointer with 1.4 seconds left in the third overtime to secure the win for Coastal Carolina.
What event was this game a part of?
The game was part of the SBC–MAC Challenge.
When did the game take place?
The game took place on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
Where was the game played?
The game was played at the HTC Center in Conway, S.C.
What was UMass’s highest scoring player?
K’Jei Parker led UMass with a career-best 31 points.
Who recorded a career-high 20 rebounds for UMass?
Daniel Hankins-Sanford pulled down a career-high 20 rebounds for UMass.
What was Coastal Carolina’s record after the game?
After the game, Coastal Carolina’s record stood at 15-11 overall and 7-6 in the Sun Belt Conference.
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
