PHOENIX — Coastal Carolina put together a strong second-half response but could not overcome an early deficit in an 82–61 loss to Grand Canyon on Saturday night at Global Credit Union Arena.

The Chanticleers (6–5) were held to 25 points in the first half as the Lopes built a 52–25 halftime lead behind efficient shooting and control of the glass. Grand Canyon collected 29 rebounds in the opening 20 minutes, including 11 offensive boards that led to 18 second-chance points.

Coastal Carolina answered after the break by outscoring the Lopes 36–30 in the second half, shooting 44.1 percent from the field and limiting Grand Canyon to just two made 3-pointers over the final 20 minutes. The Chanticleers also cut down second-chance opportunities and held the Lopes to 30 points after allowing 52 in the opening half.

"You have to give them credit; they've got some size," Chanticleer head coach Justin Gray said. "We got caught watching early on with only a couple of guys rebounding when we need everybody rebounding. We did a much better job in the second half."

Joshua Beadle led Coastal Carolina with 18 points and six assists, while AJ Dancler added 13 points on three made 3-pointers. Reggie Hill finished with eight points, and Derrick Green contributed five off the bench.

For the game, Coastal Carolina shot 37.3 percent from the floor and 7-of-22 from beyond the arc. 

Coastal Carolina will look to carry that momentum into Sun Belt Conference play when it opens league action Thursday, Dec. 18, at App State. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.