Arkansas State Edges Coastal Carolina 70-66 Behind Balanced Attack

Arkansas State's strong second-half performance propelled them to a 70-66 victory over Coastal Carolina at The HTC Center. The Red Wolves, led by Christian Harmon's 16 points and 5 rebounds, outscored the Chanticleers 43-37 in the final period to secure the win. This outcome contradicts the pre-game prediction by CHD Scout, which had Coastal Carolina winning by 2.6 points.

The first half saw both teams struggle to find their rhythm, with Coastal Carolina taking a slim 29-27 lead into the break. Joshua Beadle paced the Chanticleers with 8 points in the opening period, while Harmon and Joey Chammaa combined for 15 points to keep Arkansas State within striking distance. As the game wore on, the Red Wolves' balanced attack began to pay dividends, with Matt Hayman and Chammaa contributing 12 and 13 points, respectively.

Coastal Carolina's Joshua Beadle finished with a team-high 16 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Red Wolves' collective effort. AJ Dancler added 12 points for the Chanticleers, while Reggie Hill chipped in with 8 points and 7 rebounds. Despite these individual performances, the Chanticleers were unable to stem the tide of Arkansas State's second-half surge.

The win is a significant one for Arkansas State, as it marks a Quadrant 3 victory for the Red Wolves. This result will undoubtedly bolster their tournament resume, particularly given the context of this game. For Coastal Carolina, the loss is a Quadrant 4 defeat, which may hinder their chances of making a deep postseason run. The Chanticleers' current net ranking of 223 makes every game count, and this slip-up could have lasting implications.

In the end, Arkansas State's ability to adapt and overcome Coastal Carolina's defensive efforts was the decisive factor. The Red Wolves' victory serves as a reflection of their resilience and determination, and they want to build on this momentum as the season progresses. With a record of 14-10, Arkansas State is solidifying its position as a contender, and this win will undoubtedly play a role in shaping their tournament chances. As the season enters its final stretch, the Red Wolves will aim to continue their strong play and make a push for a coveted tournament spot.