Coastal Carolina pulled off a stunning upset at The HTC Center, taking down Appalachian State 67-62 in a game that will have real consequences for both teams' tournament chances. The Chanticleers, ranked 222 in the net rankings, were not given much of a chance against the 209-ranked Mountaineers, but they proved their doubters wrong with a gritty performance.
Joshua Beadle was the star of the show for Coastal Carolina, scoring 25 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and dishing out 5 assists to lead his team to victory. He was supported by Reggie Hill and Rasheed Jones, who chipped in with 11 and 10 points, respectively. The Chanticleers trailed 32-26 at halftime but came out strong in the second half, outscoring App State 41-30 to take the win.
Alonzo Dodd was the top performer for App State, scoring 21 points and grabbing 6 rebounds, but it was not enough to overcome the Chanticleers' balanced attack. Jalen Tot and Kasen Jennings added 12 and 11 points, respectively, but the Mountaineers' offense stalled in the second half, allowing Coastal Carolina to take control.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and playing tenacious defense. However, it was the Chanticleers who made the key plays late, with Beadle hitting several clutch shots to seal the win. The crowd at The HTC Center was electric, cheering on their team as they pulled off the upset.
This win is a massive boost to Coastal Carolina's tournament resume, as it counts as a Quadrant 4 victory. While it may not be the most impressive win on paper, it shows that the Chanticleers are capable of beating teams ranked above them, which could be crucial in the eyes of the selection committee. For App State, the loss is a Quadrant 3 defeat, which is not ideal but not devastating either. However, it does highlight the Mountaineers' struggles against lower-ranked teams, which could be a concern as they head into the final stretch of the season.
The implications of this result are significant, as it throws a wrench into App State's tournament hopes. The Mountaineers were expected to cruise to a win, but instead, they find themselves on the losing end of a major upset. Coastal Carolina, on the other hand, has given itself a much-needed boost, and want to build on this momentum as it heads into the rest of its schedule. With this win, the Chanticleers have proven that they are a force to be reckoned with, and will be a tough opponent for any team in the future.