Bold start: Coastal Carolina came within striking distance, but the early hole proved too deep as Grand Canyon pulled away to win 82–61.
PHOENIX — Coastal Carolina mounted a strong second-half surge, yet couldn’t erase an 27-point deficit from the opening period in a defeat at Global Credit Union Arena on Saturday night. The Chanticleers, sitting at 6–5, were held to 25 points in the first half while the Lopes dominated the boards and maintained a steady scoring rhythm. Grand Canyon grabbed 29 rebounds in the first 20 minutes, including 11 on the offensive end, turning those opportunities into 18 second-chance points.
Coastal Carolina found its footing after halftime, posting a 36–30 edge in the second half and shooting 44.1 percent from the floor. The Chanticleers limited Grand Canyon to just two made 3-pointers after the break and also reduced second-chance chances, allowing only 30 points in the second half after the Lopes poured in 52 before intermission.
“We have to credit them; they’re a big team,” said Coastal Carolina head coach Justin Gray. “We were a bit slow to locate rebounds early, with only a couple of guys chasing boards. We did a much better job as the half progressed.”
Joshua Beadle led Coastal Carolina with 18 points and six assists. AJ Dancler chipped in 13 points, powered by three 3-pointers. Reggie Hill added eight points, and Derrick Green contributed five off the bench.
Across the full game, Coastal Carolina shot 37.3 percent from the field and went 7-for-22 from deep. The Chanticleers managed to clamp down defensively in the second half, holding Grand Canyon to 30 points after the 52-point first half.
With momentum to build on, Coastal Carolina turns to Sun Belt Conference play, kicking off league action on Thursday, Dec. 18, at App State. Tip-off is slated for 6:30 p.m.
