CONWAY, S.C. –
AJ Dancler matched his career high with 32 points and Coastal Carolina men's basketball tied the program's single-season record for Sun Belt Conference wins as the Chanticleers earned a 76-71 victory at Georgia State on Tuesday night at the GSU Convocation Center.
With the win, Coastal (18-12, 10-7 Sun Belt) secured its 10th league victory of the season, matching the school record for Sun Belt wins in a single campaign.
Dancler's big night came on 12-of-20 shooting, including 4-of-8 from 3-point range, and he added five rebounds and a steal in 36 minutes.
Rasheed Jones finished with 12 points, three assists and a pair of key late defensive plays, while
DaJohn Craig provided a spark off the bench with nine points on three 3-pointers in 15 minutes.
Reggie Hill chipped in seven points and seven rebounds, and
Joshua Beadle added six points, seven rebounds and four assists.
Coastal took a 30-28 lead into halftime, then opened the second half with a strong start to create breathing room. Dancler knocked down a transition 3-pointer early in the period, Jones followed with a triple of his own, and Beadle's layup capped an 8-2 run that pushed the Chanticleers in front 38-30 with 18:01 remaining.
Georgia State answered with several pushes to keep it tight, and the Panthers pulled even at 48-48 with 12:01 to play. Coastal responded behind Dancler, who hit a 3-pointer with 10:56 remaining to keep the Chanticleers in front, and Coastal later extended the margin to 71-64 on two free throws by Hill with 3:46 left.
After Georgia State trimmed the deficit to 73-71 on Joah Chappelle's 3-pointer with 1:02 to play, Coastal closed the final minute at the free-throw line. Beadle made one of two at the 22-second mark, Jones blocked a potential tying 3-pointer with 15 seconds remaining, and Dancler secured the rebound before going 4-for-4 at the line in the final 14 seconds to seal the win.
The Chanticleers committed just six turnovers while winning the rebounding battle 41-36, including 14 offensive rebounds that helped generate key second-chance opportunities down the stretch.
Malachi Brown led Georgia State (10-20, 7-10 Sun Belt) with 26 points and six assists, while Jelani Hamilton added 14 points.
Coastal Carolina wraps up regular season play Friday night at James Madison. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m.
