Coastal Carolina University men’s basketball team tipped off its 2024-2025 season with a home opener Monday evening at the HTC Center against Western Michigan University, winning 60-56.
The Chanticleers, coming off a campaign that left the team with a 12-21 overall record, will look to turn the page under the new leadership of head coach Justin Gray.
Gray, who was hired this offseason, brings a wealth of experience to Coastal after previously serving as an assistant coach at Wake Forest University and having a notable career as a player.
Last season, Coastal Carolina battled through a tough Sun Belt Conference schedule, finishing with 5-13 in league play.
This year, with Gray’s leadership, the Chanticleers are hoping to build on those foundations and push for a stronger performance in both non-conference and Sun-Belt games.
Comparatively, Western Michigan enters the contest after finishing their season with a 10-21 overall record, including a 6-12 finish in the Mid-American Conference.
In the first half between Coastal Carolina and Western Michigan, WMU started with possession, but it was Coastal who got the early lead.
Joshua Meo, CCU guard was the first to put points on the board, quickly followed by Rasheed Jones, CCU guard.
Coastal continued to build momentum with additional scoring from Denzel Hines, forward, and Rasheed Jones while WMU’s Donovan Williams, guard, and Markhi Strickland, guard, also got on the scoreboard.
At halftime, Coastal Carolina held a 36-26 lead over Western Michigan.
“We started off the game early, came out strong, built a little lead. We let them get back in the second half. We had to fight. It was a great team effort. I think we settled in on defense, slowed down on offense, and we executed.” Jones said.
In the second half, Noah Amenhauser, center, set the tone early with two quick points. Coastal Carolina maintained a slim lead but struggled to keep control.
Furthering their lead, Denzel Hines gave the Chanticleers a lift with a layup, but Donovan Williams of WMU quickly tied the game 46-46 with his own layup.
As the game entered the final stretch, Andre Mulibea, guard, supported Coastal, scoring a 3-pointer followed by a layup, and Joshua Meo quickly followed suit with an additional layup.
Gray also praised the team’s resilience, particularly when Western Michigan tied the game.
“Their players responded well, but our guys responded too, that’s what you want to see from your team. The huge reason behind that was the student section—they were on them, helping WMU to miss free throws and make bad plays. That had a big impact on the game. Our guys I thought in that moment responded and the huge reason behind that was the student section,” Gray said.
These key baskets helped push the Chanticleers back to a 10-point lead. Amenhauser added two more points after a foul, solidifying the lead.
With two minutes remaining. WMU’s Owen Lobsinger, forward, hit a 3-pointer, cutting the lead short, but Coastal held on, winning 60-56.
“I thought it was great; we got a lot of things to work on. Defensively, being in those gaps and executing our defense, just kind of having no second chances for the other team. But overall, I’m excited to be out there. We’ve been working hard, and I’m super excited,” Mulibea said.
As head coach Justin Gray’s vision begins to take shape, tonight’s game marks a fresh start for Coastal Carolina basketball.
“It was awesome to know that all the students and people came out to support. This is only the beginning for us. I’m just proud of my guys,” Gray said.
The CCU men’s basketball team is away for their next game, traveling to Greenville, North Carolina, on Nov. 9 for a game against Eastern Carolina University.
