CONWAY — Coastal Carolina women's basketball (6-6) was edged by JMU (9-4) 71-68 in the Sun Belt opener on Wednesday night at the HTC Center. Despite playing just three players off the bench, Coastal held a lead for a majority of the game against the preseason favorites to win the conference.

GAME RECAP
With two made free throws from Tessa Grady, the Chants took a 36-33 lead at the half. Coastal continued the momentum in the third quarter, outscoring the Dukes 19-18 and took a 55-51 lead to the final period. With 23 seconds remaining, JMU's Zakiya Stephenson hit a three-pointer for the final points of the game to give the Dukes a 71-68 win. 

COASTAL LEADERS
The Chants had three players score in double figures, with Grady leading the team with 19. Kristin Williams provided 18 points and Kinsea Grimes put up 16. Coastal forced 23 turnovers, the second-most forced turnovers in a game for JMU this season behind Texas. As a team, Coastal shot 37-percent from the field and 43-percent from long-range while making 14 of 21 free throw attempts. 

UP NEXT
Coastal continues Sun Belt play against Georgia State on Saturday, Dec. 20 at the HTC Center. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. on ESPN+.

For complete coverage of CCU women's basketball, follow the Chants on social media @CoastalWBB (Twitter), facebook.com/CCUChanticleers (Facebook), @GoCCUSports (Instagram), or visit the official home of Coastal Carolina Athletics at www.GoCCUsports.com.