Chanticleers drop game at Carolina

Coastal Carolina was narrowly defeated by University of South Carolina on Friday, Nov. 30 at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina by a final score of 85-79.

Forward Zac Cuthberson continued his monstrous senior season for the Chanticleers as he recorded his fourth double-double of the season with team highs in both points (24), and rebounds (12). Both David Pierce and Tommy Burton joined Cuthberson in double digit scoring, racking up 10 points each for the Chanticleers.

The Chanticleers edged out the Gamecocks on the glass, finishing the game with a 40-34 rebound advantage, which led to 13 points coming off offensive rebounds for Coastal.

A.J. Lawson and Hassani Gravett led the USC Gamecocks offensively, scoring 25 and 23 points respectively.

While Coastal shot better from three point range (48% to 39%) and from the free throw line (78% to 76%), the Gamecocks bested the Chanticleers in overall shooting percentage, going 43% from the field to the Chanticleers 39%.

A barrage of eight three-pointers in the first half got the Gamecocks off to a hot start. Combined with CCU’s scoreless final 3:37 of the half and 10 first-half turnovers, South Carolina was able to take a 50-41 lead into halftime and never looked back. While the Chanticleers fought hard in the second half, ultimately it was too much to overcome for Coach Ellis’ crew.

Coastal Carolina hosts Hampton on December 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the HTC Center.