Boone, North Carolina, December 19, 2025
The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers faced a disappointing loss to App State with a final score of 67-49 in their Sun Belt Conference opener. Despite entering the game with strong defensive statistics, the Chanticleers struggled against App State, who was on a three-game winning streak and secured their first conference victory. With an overall record of 6-6 and the challenge of a competitive conference ahead, Coastal Carolina must regroup to improve their positioning in the Sun Belt.
Myrtle Beach, SC – The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers men’s basketball team faced a tough start to their Sun Belt Conference schedule, falling to App State 67-49 on Wednesday night, December 18, 2025. This decisive loss, played in Boone, North Carolina, marks a challenging beginning for the Chanticleers in league play as they aim to compete in a competitive conference.
The game saw App State, who entered league play on a three-game winning streak, control the contest, securing their first conference victory of the season. Coastal Carolina, now with an overall record of 6-6 and 0-1 in Sun Belt play, will need to regroup quickly to navigate the demanding conference schedule ahead.
Chanticleers’ Defensive Prowess Tested in Conference Opener
Coastal Carolina’s defensive strengths, which have been a hallmark of their early season performance, were put to the test against App State. Entering the game, the Chanticleers ranked first in the Sun Belt in field goal percentage defense (.367) and also led the conference in three-point percentage defense (28.7%). They had successfully held five opponents under 32 percent shooting, demonstrating their capability to stifle offensive efforts. App State, however, managed to break through, handing Coastal Carolina their first conference-opening road loss since 2019.
App State, under seventh-year head coach Dustin Kerns, demonstrated their strong home court advantage, holding a 4-1 record at home this season prior to the game. Their roster, including South Florida transfer Kasen Jennings, who leads the Mountaineers in scoring with 15.5 points per game, proved effective. Alonzo Dodd and Luke Wilson also contribute significantly, with Wilson leading in rebounds and ranking high in blocks. App State’s overall record improved to 8-5 (1-0 Sun Belt) with the win.
Implications for Myrtle Beach Sports and Local Economy
The performance of Coastal Carolina University’s athletic programs, including men’s basketball, holds significant implications for the Myrtle Beach area. College athletics, particularly successful teams, can act as a catalyst for local economic activity and community engagement. Chance Miller, Coastal Carolina’s Director of Athletics, has emphasized the need to tap into Myrtle Beach’s robust tourism economy to generate revenue and support Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for student-athletes. Initiatives like the Coastal Sports Collective, established in March 2024, aim to create a substantial financial pool to attract and retain talent, thereby strengthening the university’s competitive edge and growing the area’s economic impact.
Local businesses and community members play a vital role in supporting these endeavors, recognizing that the success of university programs directly contributes to the region’s vibrancy and appeal. Sports tourism is already a significant segment of the Myrtle Beach economy, with events like the Myrtle Beach Invitational men’s college basketball tournament and the Beach Ball Classic highlighting the area’s capacity to host major sporting events that attract out-of-town teams and fans. Continued investment and engagement from the community are crucial for Coastal Carolina athletics to maximize its potential, both on the court and as an economic driver.
Sun Belt Conference Landscape and Future Challenges
The Sun Belt Conference is known for its competitive basketball landscape, with the 2025-26 season scheduled to culminate in the conference tournament from March 3-9, 2026, at the Pensacola Bay Center. Last season, four teams shared the regular-season title, underscoring the parity within the league. Coastal Carolina was picked to finish thirteenth in the conference’s preseason poll, and a junior guard, RaSheed Jones, was named to the preseason second team. The Chanticleers finished the 2024-25 season with a 10-22 overall record and a 3-15 Sun Belt record. Coach Justin Gray is in his second season leading the Chanticleers.
The loss to App State marks just the first step in an 18-game conference slate. Coastal Carolina will host App State later in the season on January 10. The conference schedule also includes an early Royal Rivalry matchup between James Madison and Old Dominion. Old Dominion previously rolled past Louisiana 67-49 in a Sun Belt Conference Tournament game on March 6, 2025. The identical score to Coastal’s recent loss highlights a common outcome in the competitive league. [cite: *] The team will need to leverage home games at the HTC Center, which seats approximately 3,000 spectators, to build momentum throughout the season.
Community Resilience and Athletic Initiative
In a landscape where university athletics are increasingly complex, the emphasis on local support and strategic initiative remains paramount. Coastal Carolina’s athletic department, under the leadership of Director Miller, is actively seeking to innovate the college athletics experience by improving fan engagement and fostering stronger ties with the Myrtle Beach community. The ability to adapt to changes in college athletics, such as evolving scholarship models and NIL opportunities, requires proactive leadership and community self-reliance. By focusing on responsible growth and maximizing competitive potential, the Chanticleers can continue to be a source of pride and economic benefit for the region.
The initial conference loss is a reminder of the competitive nature of Division I basketball but also an opportunity for the team to demonstrate resilience. The dedicated effort of the student-athletes, combined with the strategic vision of the university and the enthusiastic support of the local community, will be crucial in shaping the remainder of the 2025-26 season for Coastal Carolina basketball. Myrtle Beach continues to be a hub for sports, and the success of its collegiate programs adds significantly to its identity and prosperity.
Stay engaged with Coastal Carolina University athletics and support our student-athletes as they navigate the rigorous Sun Belt Conference schedule. Your continued support strengthens our community and helps cultivate excellence in Myrtle Beach sports. Coastal Carolina University athletics, Myrtle Beach SC sports, college basketball in Myrtle Beach.
*The identical score of 67-49 in two different Sun Belt Conference games (Coastal Carolina vs. App State on Dec 18, 2025, and Old Dominion vs. Louisiana on Mar 6, 2025) is noted as an interesting observation in the provided data.
FAQ Section
What was the final score of the Coastal Carolina vs. App State men’s basketball game?
Coastal Carolina’s Men’s Basketball team lost to App State 67-49.
When did the Coastal Carolina vs. App State game take place?
The game took place on Wednesday night, December 18, 2025.
What conference was this game a part of?
This game was the Sun Belt Conference opener for Coastal Carolina.
What is Coastal Carolina’s current overall record after the game?
Coastal Carolina’s overall record is 6-6.
Who is the head coach for Coastal Carolina men’s basketball?
Justin Gray is the head coach for Coastal Carolina men’s basketball, in his second season.
Feature Table
| Category | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Game Date | December 18, 2025 | Nationwide |
| Final Score | App State 67, Coastal Carolina 49 | Nationwide |
| Conference | Sun Belt Conference | Nationwide |
| Coastal Carolina Season Record (Overall) | 6-6 (as of Dec 18, 2025) | Nationwide |
| Coastal Carolina Season Record (Conference) | 0-1 (as of Dec 18, 2025) | Nationwide |
| Coastal Carolina Head Coach | Justin Gray (2nd season) | State-level |
| App State Season Record (Overall) | 8-5 (as of Dec 18, 2025) | Nationwide |
| App State Head Coach | Dustin Kerns (7th season) | Nationwide |
| Coastal Carolina Home Arena Capacity | 3,600 (HTC Center) | State-level |
| Myrtle Beach Sports Tourism Economic Impact (2017) | $158 million | State-level |
Now Happening on X
- @DCIndex (2025-12-19): Reported the final score of the Coastal Carolina vs. Appalachian State Sun Belt Conference basketball game as 49-67 in favor of App State. View on X
- @BDunnsports (2025-12-19): Shared the men’s Sun Belt basketball result with Coastal Carolina losing 49-67 to Appalachian State, noting their updated record of 6-6, 0-1, and upcoming game against ODU. View on X
- @Shane_DNRSports (2025-12-18): Posted about the women’s basketball game where JMU defeated Coastal Carolina 71-68, highlighting JMU’s strong conference record. View on X
- @johnrswindler (2025-12-14): Expressed concern over Coastal Carolina men’s basketball’s recent 21-point loss, hoping for better performance in the Sun Belt to finish in the top 5. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Coastal Carolina University Men’s Basketball Falls to App State
2025 Myrtle Beach Bowl Features Conference Champions
Chanticleers Fall to App State in Sun Belt Opener
Gamecocks’ RB Strategy: Coach Beamer on Future Plans
Conway High School Athletes Showcase Grit and Precision in Key Competitions
Myrtle Beach Welcomes Christmas Island Holiday Bar
Holiday Events in Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach Adjusted
Myrtle Beach Faces New Economic Requirements from Food Support Overhaul
Upholding Standards: Essential for Myrtle Beach’s Thriving Small Business and Service Sector
Golfing in Coastal Comfort: Affordable Living in Myrtle Beach
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.
