Loss in final seconds

The+battle+on+the+court+between+the+Chanticleers+and+Monarchs+Jan.28+had+fans+on+the+edge+of+their+seats+with+each+turnover

Photo by: Xavier Ankner

The battle on the court between the Chanticleers and Monarchs Jan.28 had fans on the edge of their seats with each turnover

The Coastal Carolina University (CCU) men’s basketball team lost at home in the final seconds against the Old Dominion University (ODU) Monarchs 60-59 on Jan. 28.

From the tipoff, it was a physical battle for the Chants. ODU went on a 7-2 run early, but the Chants fought back to a 12-10 score.

Turnovers were very costly for the Chants, turning the rock over seven times in the first half. Rebounding was crucial in keeping them in this game early.

Junior Essam Mostafa led the Chants with five boards at the end of the first half, while sophomore Josh Uduje took care of the ball with 10 points in the first half of play.

Within just a few minutes into the second half, the Dukes hits a reverse lay-up in transition to bring the score to 40-40. Uduje then forced back-to-back steals, scoring the Chanticleers a bucket and some free throws, capping an 18-2.

ODU’s Mekhi Long converted an an-done to bring Coastal’s lead to five.

Point guard Antonio Daye got two trips to the line with five minutes left to go in the second half and maintained a Coastal lead.

With Old Dominion leading 58-57, a foul sent Daye to the line. Daye hit the fi rst tying the game at 58. Daye missed the second, but Coastal grabbed the bobbled rebound calling a timeout and giving them another possession.

On that possession, a Uduje miss turned into a Mostafa rebound and foul, sending him to the line with 16 seconds left in the game. In his trip to the line, Mostafa missed the first but nailed the second which triggered a celebration throughout the HTC Center.

With mere seconds on the clock, ODU took a dagger from the corner at the buzzer, which was no good. After a discrepancy on the call, ODU was awarded three foul shots.

Freshman guard Bryce Baker went 2-3 at the line, giving them the lead with 1.6 seconds left .

Coastal fell short to ODU 60-59. Th e Chanticleers will be back in action on the road when they take on the Arkansas State University Red Wolves on Feb. 4.