Myrtle Beach, SC, January 6, 2026
Coastal Carolina Men’s Basketball faced a tough loss at home against Georgia State, falling 89-71. The defeat leaves the Chanticleers with an overall record of 8-8 and 1-3 in the Sun Belt Conference. Despite strong individual performances, the team struggled to maintain an offensive edge after a promising first half. With community support and upcoming home games, Coastal Carolina aims to rebound as they navigate through a challenging league schedule.
Myrtle Beach, SC —
Chanticleers Fall to Georgia State in Home Matchup
Coastal Carolina Men’s Basketball faced a setback at home on January 3rd, suffering a defeat against Sun Belt Conference opponent Georgia State. The Chanticleers, who were looking to bounce back from a previous conference loss, now stand at 8-8 overall and 1-3 in league play as they continue their four-game homestand in Conway.
The much-anticipated game saw Coastal Carolina aim to demonstrate resilience and competitive spirit following a narrow loss earlier in the week. Despite strong individual performances, the team was unable to secure a victory against a determined Georgia State squad. This outcome underscores the competitive nature of the Sun Belt Conference and highlights the ongoing need for strategic development and consistent execution within collegiate athletics.
Navigating the Sun Belt Landscape
Coastal Carolina’s Men’s Basketball team entered the season with an objective to exceed expectations, having been picked 13th in the preseason Sun Belt poll. Under the guidance of second-year head coach Justin Gray, the Chanticleers have shown flashes of promise, securing non-conference victories against teams like Winthrop and Saint Joseph’s. These early successes highlight the potential within the program, demonstrating the effectiveness of focused coaching and player development initiatives. The team’s defensive efforts have been notable, ranking first in the Sun Belt Conference and 118th nationally in certain metrics. However, offensive consistency, with the team averaging 73.3 points per game, remains an area targeted for improvement as they navigate a challenging conference schedule.
Impact on Local Sports Economy
The presence of a vibrant collegiate athletics program at Coastal Carolina University significantly contributes to the local economy of Myrtle Beach and the broader Grand Strand area. Home games, such as the recent contest against Georgia State, draw spectators, faculty, staff, and visiting teams, leading to increased activity in local businesses. This influx benefits hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments, fostering economic growth through tourism and local spending. The university’s athletic events serve as community gathering points, strengthening local bonds and providing entertainment that enriches the quality of life for residents. The support garnered from ticket sales, merchandise, and local sponsorships further reinforces the financial stability of the athletic department, allowing for continued investment in facilities and student-athlete welfare. This cycle of engagement and investment exemplifies how private initiative and local enterprise can coalesce to create a robust and mutually beneficial environment for both the university and the community it serves.
Chanticleers’ Performance and Player Contributions
In the January 3rd matchup, Georgia State secured an 89-71 victory over Coastal Carolina. Georgia State’s Malachi Brown led all scorers with 23 points, closely followed by Jelani Hamilton, who contributed 22 points. For Coastal Carolina, Rasheed Jones delivered 18 points, while AJ Dancler added 16 points to the team’s effort. The Chanticleers initially held a 34-25 lead at halftime but were outscored significantly in the second half. This illustrates that while individual talent is present, collective offensive consistency throughout the entire game is critical for securing conference wins. The competitive drive shown by players like Jones and Dancler highlights their personal perseverance in challenging circumstances, a quality valued in both athletics and broader community endeavors.
Strategic Outlook and Community Engagement
Following the Georgia State game, Coastal Carolina’s focus shifts to upcoming Sun Belt Conference challenges. The team’s schedule includes home games against Old Dominion on January 8th and Appalachian State on January 10th. These matchups present further opportunities for the Chanticleers to demonstrate growth, adapt to competitive pressures, and refine their play within the conference. The athletic program at Coastal Carolina thrives on the initiative of its coaching staff and the dedication of its student-athletes, supported by a strong foundation of university resources and community backing. Emphasizing personal initiative, responsible growth, and the value of robust competition remains central to the athletic department’s mission, fostering not only sporting success but also the development of well-rounded individuals prepared for future leadership roles.
Supporting Student Athletics in the Grand Strand
The recent contests serve as a timely reminder of the competitive spirit that defines collegiate athletics. As Coastal Carolina Men’s Basketball continues its 2025-2026 season, the journey underscores themes of perseverance, strategic adaptation, and the enduring value of spirited competition. The dedication of student-athletes, coaches, and university staff reflects a commitment to excellence that resonates throughout the Myrtle Beach community. Readers are encouraged to stay engaged with Coastal Carolina athletics, attend upcoming games, and support the student-athletes as they strive for success in the Sun Belt Conference and beyond. Your continued support is a testament to community self-reliance and the vital role local institutions play in shaping the character and future leaders of our state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the final score of the Coastal Carolina Men’s Basketball game against Georgia State on January 3, 2026?
The final score was Georgia State 89, Coastal Carolina 71.
Where was the game between Coastal Carolina and Georgia State played?
The game was played at the HTC Center in Conway, SC.
What were Coastal Carolina’s key players’ points in the January 3rd game?
Rasheed Jones scored 18 points and AJ Dancler scored 16 points for Coastal Carolina.
What were Georgia State’s key players’ points in the January 3rd game?
Malachi Brown scored 23 points and Jelani Hamilton scored 22 points for Georgia State.
What is Coastal Carolina Men’s Basketball’s current overall record and Sun Belt Conference record after the Georgia State game?
After the Georgia State game on January 3, 2026, Coastal Carolina’s overall record was 8-8 and their Sun Belt Conference record was 1-3.
What are the next home games for Coastal Carolina Men’s Basketball?
Coastal Carolina Men’s Basketball has upcoming home games against Old Dominion on January 8 and Appalachian State on January 10.
Coastal Carolina Men’s Basketball Recent Game Highlights
| Date | Opponent | Result | CCU Score | Opponent Score | CCU Overall Record | CCU Conference Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 | Georgia Southern | Loss | 81 | 82 | 8-7 | 1-2 |
| Jan 3, 2026 | Georgia State | Loss | 71 | 89 | 8-8 | 1-3 |
| Date | Upcoming Home Opponent | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 8, 2026 | Old Dominion | 7 p.m. |
| Jan 10, 2026 | Appalachian State | 1 p.m. |
Now Happening on X
- @JevanMcCoskeyTV (Jan 3, 2026): Final score: Georgia State defeated Coastal Carolina 89-71, with the Chanticleers allowing 64 points in the second half and getting outscored by 27 in the final 20 minutes. View on X
- @bradymweiler (Jan 3, 2026): Coastal Carolina leads Georgia State 55-52 late in the game, with the Panthers hot from three but the Chants holding strong from the free-throw line. View on X
- @SunBelt (Dec 30, 2025): Coastal Carolina’s AJ Dancler named Sun Belt Men’s Basketball Player of the Week after a 21-point, 12-rebound double-double in a road win over St. Joseph’s. View on X
- @JDKristenson (Jan 1, 2026): Coastal Carolina goes on a 9-0 run against Georgia Southern, taking a 45-43 lead. View on X
- @BDunnsports (Dec 30, 2025): AJ Dancler earns Sun Belt Player of the Week honors for his double-double in Coastal Carolina’s victory over Saint Joseph’s, marking the first such award for a Chanticleer this season. View on X
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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.
