Myrtle Beach, SC, December 18, 2025

Coastal Carolina women’s basketball kicked off its Sun Belt Conference schedule with a closely fought contest against James Madison, ultimately losing 71-68. The game showcased the Chanticleers’ resilience as they held a strong lead at halftime and continued to challenge the reigning champions until the final moments. With standout performances from Tessa Grady and others, this match highlighted the team’s potential for the season ahead and the importance of collegiate athletics in fostering community and competitive spirit.

Myrtle Beach, SC —

Chanticleers Battle JMU in Sun Belt Opener Thriller

Coastal Carolina women’s basketball commenced its Sun Belt Conference schedule with a fiercely contested matchup against James Madison, ultimately falling 71-68. The Chanticleers showcased remarkable resilience and competitive spirit, pushing the reigning regular season champions to the brink in a game that underscores the dedication and drive of collegiate athletes.

The Wednesday night contest, held at the HTC Center in Conway, saw the Chanticleers (6-6) demonstrate strategic play and individual prowess, leading for a significant portion of the game against the Dukes (9-4), who were widely considered preseason favorites in the conference. This effort highlights the intrinsic value of competition and the personal perseverance fostered within university athletic programs, contributing to the broader athletic and economic vitality of the region.

Grit on the Hardwood: Chanticleers’ Effort Against JMU

The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers displayed significant control throughout much of their Sun Belt opener, holding a 36-33 advantage at halftime following two crucial free throws from Tessa Grady. The momentum continued into the third quarter, with Coastal Carolina outscoring the Dukes 19-18, extending their lead to 55-51 heading into the final period. This strong performance against a formidable opponent, known for their 20-game regular season league win streak, reflects the team’s commitment and strategic execution.

The game’s outcome hinged on a late surge by James Madison, with Zakiya Stephenson sinking a three-pointer in the final 23 seconds to secure the 71-68 victory for the Dukes. Despite the narrow loss, Coastal Carolina’s players delivered compelling individual performances. Tessa Grady led the Chanticleers with 19 points, while Kristin Williams added 18 points, and Kinsea Grimes contributed 16 points. The team’s defensive efforts were notable, forcing JMU to commit 23 turnovers, the second-highest tally for the Dukes this season. As a unit, the Chanticleers shot 37 percent from the field and an impressive 43 percent from long range, converting 14 of 21 free throw attempts. This competitive showing against a strong conference rival reinforces the spirit of initiative and disciplined effort that characterizes high-level collegiate sports.

Implications for Coastal Carolina Athletics

This tightly contested Sun Belt opener, while a loss, carries significant implications for Coastal Carolina University athletics. The ability to push a top-tier conference opponent like JMU to the wire demonstrates the team’s potential and readiness to compete at a high level within the Sun Belt Conference. Such performances are crucial for building confidence and developing the skills of student-athletes, showcasing the value of robust athletic programs.

The game also serves as an important benchmark as the Chanticleers navigate their conference schedule. Competing against established programs like James Madison, who were 2025 Sun Belt Coach of the Year Sean O’Regan’s reigning regular season champions with an 18-0 league record last season, provides invaluable experience and highlights areas for continuous improvement. The dedication seen on the court by the women’s basketball team exemplifies the broader commitment to excellence across Coastal Carolina University athletics.

Fostering Athletic Excellence in the Grand Strand

The success and competitive spirit of teams like Coastal Carolina women’s basketball are intrinsically linked to the broader athletic and economic scene in Myrtle Beach, SC, and the surrounding Grand Strand region. University athletic programs serve as vital cultural and economic anchors, attracting talent, engaging communities, and stimulating local economies. The support from private initiative, local businesses, and community efforts plays a crucial role in enabling these programs to thrive.

Investment in facilities like the HTC Center and ongoing support for student-athletes through scholarships and development programs are testaments to community self-reliance and the understanding that robust university sports benefit everyone. These efforts not only cultivate athletic success but also instill values of teamwork, discipline, and leadership that extend beyond the court, preparing young individuals for future contributions to society.

The Spirit of Competition and Community Engagement

College basketball fosters a vibrant spirit of competition that resonates deeply within the local community. Games at the HTC Center are not merely sporting events; they are community gatherings that unite fans, alumni, and local residents in shared support. The energy and passion exhibited by the Chanticleer players inspire the next generation of athletes and reinforce the importance of active, healthy lifestyles.

Moreover, the presence of strong athletic programs like Coastal Carolina women’s basketball contributes to the overall appeal and economic dynamism of Myrtle Beach SC sports. By emphasizing competitive integrity and the pursuit of excellence, these programs demonstrate the positive outcomes that can be achieved through disciplined effort and collective community backing. This local focus on initiative and responsible growth helps ensure a thriving environment for both athletics and the wider community.

Looking Ahead: Continued Sun Belt Challenge

The Chanticleers will continue their Sun Belt Conference campaign with a home game against Georgia State on Saturday, December 20, at the HTC Center, with tip-off scheduled for 1 p.m.. This upcoming matchup provides another opportunity for Coastal Carolina to demonstrate its competitive prowess and build upon the strong effort shown against James Madison. The team’s continued engagement in challenging conference play is a testament to the resilient spirit cultivated within Coastal Carolina University athletics.

As the season progresses, the focus remains on individual growth and team cohesion, vital components for sustained success in a competitive conference. The commitment of coaches, staff, and the community alike to fostering an environment of achievement ensures that student-athletes are equipped not just for victory on the court, but for future endeavors off it.

Coastal Carolina’s compelling performance against JMU underscores the vibrant spirit of college basketball in Myrtle Beach. We encourage all members of the community to continue supporting these dedicated student-athletes as they represent the university and the region with pride. Your engagement and support are crucial in fostering continued excellence and opportunity in Myrtle Beach SC sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Coastal Carolina women’s basketball play JMU?

Coastal Carolina women’s basketball played JMU on Wednesday night, December 17, 2025.

What was the final score of the Coastal Carolina vs. JMU game?

The final score was JMU 71, Coastal Carolina 68.

Where was the game played?

The game was played at the HTC Center in Conway, South Carolina.

What was the significance of this game?

This game marked the Sun Belt opener for both teams.

Who were the leading scorers for Coastal Carolina?

Tessa Grady led Coastal Carolina with 19 points, followed by Kristin Williams with 18 points, and Kinsea Grimes with 16 points.

Game Summary Highlights

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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.