ROCK HILL, S.C. — Coastal Carolina makes the short trip to Rock Hill on Saturday for a rematch with Winthrop, renewing one of the Chanticleers' longest-running rivalries. Coastal won the first meeting this season, 72–66, on Veteran's Day in Conway.

The Chanticleers arrive looking to rebound from an 85–78 overtime loss at USC Upstate on Wednesday, a game in which they opened on a 19–2 run before the Spartans clawed back to force overtime. Coastal was outscored 20–13 in the extra period but continued to show the defensive traits that have defined its season.

The Chants have held opponents under 70 points and below 40 percent shooting in each of their five wins, ranking among the national leaders in field-goal percentage defense (36.5%) and three-point defense (28.0%) while leading the Sun Belt with 44.7 rebounds per game.

Winthrop enters on a two-game winning streak, most recently claiming a 94–82 overtime victory at LIU on Tuesday, sealed by Kody Clouet's tip-in at the buzzer. The Eagles remain one of the most potent offensive teams in the nation after averaging 84.7 points per game a season ago, which ranked sixth nationally. They have already topped 80 points six times this season, pushing the pace and consistently pressuring defenses with their ability to get to the foul line. The Eagles rank second in the Big South in scoring with 85.9 points per game, trailing only High Point (92.7 ppg).

Saturday's match-up at Winthrop Coliseum — long known as one of the region's toughest venues — will test Coastal's defensive discipline and rebounding strength. The Chanticleers will again lean on their core trio of Joshua Beadle, AJ Dancler and Rasheed Jones, who rank first, second and third on the team in scoring, minutes, field goals made, free throws made and assists. Beadle leads the team at 15.0 points per game, Dancler has a team-high 29 assists, and Jones averages 33.1 minutes while hitting a team-best 22 three-pointers.

This will be the 89th meeting between the programs, the most games Coastal Carolina has played against any opponent. The Chanticleers lead the all-time series 46–41 and have won five of the seven match-ups since leaving the Big South after the 2015-16 season.