Coastal picks up first conference win

Despite losing their sixth straight conference game after a 60-47 loss to Arkansas-Little Rock, the Coastal Carolina women’s basketball team got their first conference win in a valiant performance against Arkansas State on Saturday, Jan. 26 at the HTC Center.

Coastal scored the first two baskets but after Little Rock took the lead at 5-4, they never looked back. After leading the Chanticleers 20-13 in the first quarter, the Chants were able to bring it within four in the second quarter making the score 26-22. Unfortunately, the Chants remained scoreless the last 4:25 of the half.

In the third quarter, Little Rock began to pull away as they outscored the Chants 17-6 to close the third quarter with a score of 52-33.

Cooling down in the final quarter, Little Rock only scored eight points versus the Chants 14 points but that just wasn’t enough to take the lead and win.

Naheria Hamilton finished with a 12 point and 14 rebound double-double. This is her fifth double-double of the season.

DJ Williams scored 12 points. Caitlin Roche and Aja Blount both scored six points each.

After Thursday’s loss to Little Rock, the Chanticleers went up against Arkansas State and nabbed their first conference victory, winning 88-72.

As Williams and Hamilton got in foul trouble quickly, the Chants had to play smart and had to adjust quickly. After leading the first quarter 23-21, the Chanticleers pulled out a full court press to go on an 18-3 run to take the 30-21 lead in the second quarter.

The lead didn’t last long with the Chants. Ark. State turned around and went on a 23-6 run and had a lead at 51-38. Trailing 67-61 late in the third quarter, Williams took charge and scored 10 of 12 points and the Chants kept the lead.

Leading 71-70, the Chants then went on a 19-2 run to finish out the rest of the game.

Roche had a career high 28 points while finishing 6-of-13 from three-point range. Williams finished with 23 points.

The Chants are looking to build off this momentum as they travel to ULL and ULM next week.