Coastal Carolina University hosted conference opponent Georgia State University Panthers in men’s basketball on Feb. 18 in the HTC Center.  

 Shortly after tip off, Georgia State’s guard Collin Moore threw down a tomahawk dunk to start the game, but Coastal’s senior forward Jimmy Nichols answered back with a 3-pointer.  

 The Chanticleers took an early 14-7 lead after securing multiple defensive rebounds. Then, they knocked down two more 3-pointers to extend their lead. Nichols passed to teammate Wilfred Likayi who shot a layup, bringing Coastal’s lead to 11.  

 The first half was brought to a close 35-24.  

 Coastal held onto their lead the rest of the second half, not letting the Panthers score under a two-possession game. However, their opponent still trailed closely behind. Georgia State’s sophomore guard Jamaine Mann was a huge threat on the glass, capping on an 18-point, nine rebounds finish.  

 The Chants finished exceptionally well at the charity stripe, going 22 for 25, thanks to senior guard Antonio Daye’s hitting 12 of his 15 attempts at the line. Daye finished the game with 22 points and eight assists. Meanwhile, Likayi played defensively with three blocks, two steals, and seven defensive rebounds, helping the Chants secure a 77-68 win against the Panthers.  

 The Chanticleers men’s basketball team will be back in action to finish up the regular season against conference rival Troy University Trojans on Feb. 27, 7 p.m. at Trojan Arena.