Myrtle Beach, SC, January 3, 2026
Coastal Carolina’s men’s basketball team suffered a narrow overtime defeat against Georgia Southern in their Sun Belt Conference home opener at the HTC Center. The game featured a thrilling comeback and intense competition, with the Chanticleers showing resilience after trailing at halftime. Key performances included strong scoring from multiple players and a notable rebounding advantage. The loss highlights the challenges ahead as Coastal Carolina prepares for their next game against Georgia State, aiming for a quick recovery in the conference standings.
Myrtle Beach, SC —Chanticleers Fall in Overtime Thriller, Eyeing Quick Rebound
Coastal Carolina’s men’s basketball team faced a tough challenge in their Sun Belt Conference home opener, battling Georgia Southern in an exhilarating overtime contest on New Year’s Day. Despite a resilient performance at the HTC Center, the Chanticleers ultimately fell short, underscoring the fierce competition inherent in collegiate athletics and setting the stage for their immediate next challenge.
The highly anticipated matchup marked Coastal Carolina’s first home game in 31 days, drawing local fans eager to support their team in a pivotal conference start. The dramatic game highlighted individual efforts and collective perseverance, themes central to the student-athlete experience and the broader community spirit of the Myrtle Beach area.
Intense Overtime Battle at the HTC Center
The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers hosted Georgia Southern on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the HTC Center in Conway, SC. The game culminated in an 82-81 overtime victory for Georgia Southern, marking a challenging start to conference play for the Chanticleers. A crowd of 1,508 was in attendance for the Sun Belt Conference home opener.
Coastal Carolina showed considerable resilience, rallying from an eight-point deficit at halftime, with Georgia Southern leading 41-33 at the break. The Chanticleers initiated the second half with a strong 10-2 run, tying the game at 43. The lead changed hands multiple times throughout the second half, with the game ultimately tied at 70-all at the end of regulation, forcing overtime.
In the extra period, Coastal Carolina briefly held a lead, but Georgia Southern secured the victory with a crucial free throw by Spudd Webb in the final two seconds. Georgia Southern’s offensive success was notably supported by converting 24 of 32 free-throw attempts.
Chanticleer Standouts and Team Performance
For Coastal Carolina, Joshua Beadle led the scoring with 21 points and contributed four assists. AJ Dancler also delivered a strong performance with 22 points and six rebounds. Rasheed Jones added 14 points, hitting two key free throws late in regulation to send the game into overtime. Nadjrick Peat demonstrated his impact on the boards, securing a season-high 15 rebounds, alongside eight points. The Chanticleers showcased their strength in rebounding, holding a 50-41 advantage on the glass, including 20 offensive rebounds. With this outcome, Coastal Carolina’s overall record stands at 8-7, with a 1-2 record in the Sun Belt Conference.
Eagles Extend Winning Streak
Georgia Southern’s victory extended their impressive winning streak to eight consecutive games, improving their overall record to 11-5 and a perfect 3-0 in Sun Belt Conference play. Spudd Webb led the Eagles with 22 points and six rebounds, including the decisive free throw. Tyren Moore contributed 21 points, nine rebounds, and four steals, while Alden Applewhite recorded his fourth double-double of the season with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Myrtle Beach College Sports: Fueling Local Engagement and Growth
The return of men’s basketball to the HTC Center highlights the significant role that college athletics play in the Myrtle Beach community. Events like the Sun Belt Conference opener not only provide entertainment for local residents but also contribute to the area’s economic vitality. The presence of university programs, such as those at Coastal Carolina, fosters a sense of regional pride and serves as a draw for visitors, stimulating local businesses and the hospitality sector. College basketball in Myrtle Beach provides a consistent calendar of events that underscore the strength of local institutions.
The dedicated infrastructure, including facilities like the HTC Center, represents a substantial investment in the region’s athletic and community landscape. These venues are not merely places for competition; they are hubs for community gathering, supporting both student-athletes and the broader public. The commitment to maintaining and enhancing these programs reflects a collective initiative to foster healthy competition and provide positive opportunities for young men and women. Such efforts exemplify the self-reliance and entrepreneurial spirit that drives local growth, where universities and their athletic departments often work in tandem with private entities and community support to achieve shared goals.
The Value of Competition and Perseverance
The hard-fought battle between Coastal Carolina and Georgia Southern is a testament to the core values of collegiate sports: intense competition, unwavering initiative, and personal perseverance. Despite the narrow loss, the Chanticleers’ ability to overcome an early deficit and push the game into overtime speaks volumes about their resolve and the coaching staff’s dedication. Each player’s individual contribution, from high scoring performances to crucial rebounds, demonstrates the commitment required to compete at this level. This spirit of healthy competition not only develops character in student-athletes but also inspires fans and reinforces the importance of striving for excellence.
Looking Ahead in the Sun Belt Conference
With the Sun Belt Conference season underway, every game holds significant weight. Coastal Carolina, now with an 8-7 overall record and 1-2 in conference play, will look to quickly rebound from this overtime defeat. The rigorous conference schedule demands consistent effort and strategic adjustments. The Georgia Southern Eagles, with their impressive 11-5 overall record and perfect 3-0 conference start, have established themselves as a strong contender early in the season.
The Chanticleers will have an immediate opportunity to regroup as they host Georgia State on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 1 p.m. back at the HTC Center. This rapid turnaround epitomizes the demanding nature of college basketball and the necessity for teams to demonstrate resilience and adapt quickly. Supporting university programs like Coastal Carolina basketball provides an important anchor for community involvement and local pride.
Engage with Myrtle Beach College Sports
The recent overtime thriller against Georgia Southern serves as a reminder of the excitement and competitive spirit that Coastal Carolina basketball brings to the Myrtle Beach area. As the Chanticleers navigate their Sun Belt Conference schedule, the continued support of the community is invaluable. Attending games at the HTC Center, following the team’s progress, and engaging with University of South Carolina athletics events contribute directly to the success of these programs and the positive development of student-athletes. Your involvement strengthens the local sports scene and reinforces the community’s commitment to excellence and opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the final score of the Coastal Carolina vs. Georgia Southern men’s basketball game on January 1, 2026?
- Georgia Southern defeated Coastal Carolina 82-81 in overtime.
- Where was the game played?
- The game was played at the HTC Center in Conway, SC.
- What was the significance of this game for Coastal Carolina?
- This game was Coastal Carolina’s Sun Belt Conference home opener and their first home game in 31 days.
- What are Coastal Carolina’s current records after the game?
- Coastal Carolina’s overall record is 8-7, and their Sun Belt Conference record is 1-2.
- Who were the top scorers for Coastal Carolina?
- Joshua Beadle scored 21 points, and AJ Dancler scored 22 points.
- Who were the top scorers for Georgia Southern?
- Spudd Webb scored 22 points, and Tyren Moore scored 21 points.
- When is Coastal Carolina’s next men’s basketball game?
- Coastal Carolina will host Georgia State on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the HTC Center.
Game Highlights and Records
| Category | Coastal Carolina | Georgia Southern |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score (OT) | 81 | 82 |
| Overall Record | 8-7 | 11-5 |
| Sun Belt Record | 1-2 | 3-0 |
| Leading Scorer | AJ Dancler (22 points) | Spudd Webb (22 points) |
| Leading Rebounder | Nadjrick Peat (15 rebounds) | Alden Applewhite (11 rebounds) |
| Team Rebounds | 50 | 41 |
| Attendance | 1,508 | |
| Next Home Game (Coastal) | Jan 3, 2026 vs. Georgia State (1 p.m. at HTC Center) | |
Now Happening on X
- @DCIndex (2026-01-01): Final score from the Sun Belt Conference game at HTC Center: Georgia Southern 82, Coastal Carolina 81 in overtime. View on X
- @Joshua D. Kristenson (2026-01-01): Coastal Carolina Chanticleers went on a 10-0 run, leading 46-43 against Georgia Southern Eagles during the game. View on X
- @Joshua D. Kristenson (2026-01-01): Coastal Carolina Chanticleers mounted a 9-0 run, taking a 45-43 lead over Georgia Southern Eagles. View on X
- @SunBelt (2025-12-30): Coastal Carolina’s AJ Dancler named Sun Belt Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Week for his 21-point, 12-rebound double-double in a road win at St. Joseph’s. View on X
- @Brandon Dunn (2025-12-30): Coastal Carolina junior guard A.J. Dancler honored as Sun Belt Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Week after a double-double in a non-conference victory over Saint Joseph’s. View on X
- @DCIndex (2025-12-31): Georgia State fell 84-80 to Marshall in a Sun Belt Conference game at Cam Henderson Center; Coastal Carolina’s next opponent. 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.
