Men’s Basketball Opens Sun Belt Play At App State
- Coastal Carolina (6-6) will open Sun Belt Conference play on the road against Appalachian State (8-4) on Saturday, December 30, 2023.
- Coastal Carolina has demonstrated strong defensive capabilities this season.
- Appalachian State, under the leadership of seventh-year head coach Dustin Kerns, is a formidable opponent.
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Coastal Carolina Travels to App State for Sun Belt Conference Opener
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Game Preview: Coastal Carolina at Appalachian State
Coastal Carolina (6-6) will open Sun Belt Conference play on the road against Appalachian State (8-4) on Saturday, December 30, 2023. The mountaineers are 4-1 at home this season, while the Chanticleers are looking for their first Sun Belt opening victory since the 2022-23 season and their first conference-opening road win since 2019.
Coastal Carolina’s Defensive Prowess
Coastal Carolina has demonstrated strong defensive capabilities this season. The Chanticleers boast a strong defensive profile, ranking highly in several key statistical categories. They currently lead the Sun Belt in three-point percentage defense,holding opponents to just 28.7% shooting from beyond the arc. Coastal Carolina has also held opponents under 40% shooting in all six of their victories this season, showcasing a consistent ability to limit scoring opportunities. Key defensive stats include strong percentage defense, defensive rebounds, and total rebounds per game.
Here’s a breakdown of Coastal Carolina’s defensive performance:
| statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Three-Point Percentage Defense | 28.7% (Sun Belt Leader) |
| Games Holding Opponents Under 40% Shooting | 6 (All Wins) |
| Defensive Rebounds per Game | [Data not provided in source] |
| Total Rebounds per Game | [Data not provided in source] |
Appalachian State’s Offensive Strengths
Appalachian State, under the leadership of seventh-year head coach Dustin Kerns, is a formidable opponent. The Mountaineers excel in ball movement,possessing the Sun Belt’s best assist-to-turnover ratio. Kasen Jennings, a transfer from South Florida, leads the team in scoring with an average of 15.5 points per game. Alonzo Dodd contributes 11.1 points per game, while Luke Wilson averages 10.3 points and a team-high 6.1 rebounds, also ranking among the league leaders in blocks.
Historical Matchup
Appalachian State has historically dominated the series against Coastal Carolina since Coastal joined the Sun Belt. The Mountaineers have won 14 of the 18 meetings, including a current four-game winning streak. A win for Coastal Carolina would break this streak and mark a significant early-season victory.