STATESBORO, Ga. (Interstat) — A dramatic Sun Belt Conference rematch is set for Saturday when Georgia Southern hosts Coastal Carolina at Hanner Fieldhouse, just over two weeks after the Eagles escaped Conway with a one-point overtime victory.

The Jan. 1 meeting saw Georgia Southern (13-6, 4-2 Sun Belt) edge Coastal Carolina (10-9, 3-3) 82-81, a result that has both teams trending in opposite directions entering the 3 p.m. EST tipoff. The Eagles have won three of their last four, including an 87-84 home victory over Old Dominion on Thursday. The Chanticleers, meanwhile, have alternated wins and losses in their last six contests but are coming off a hard-fought 85-83 road win at Marshall on Wednesday.

Georgia Southern’s Tavarus Webb, who scored 22 points in the first matchup, remains a focal point. The guard is averaging 18.8 points over his last five games, providing consistent scoring punch. He had 19 points in the win over Old Dominion.

Coastal Carolina will counter with guard AJ Dancler, who torched the Eagles for 22 points and six rebounds in the overtime loss earlier this month. Dancler is coming off a career-high 26-point performance in the win at Marshall, showcasing his ability to carry the offensive load. His backcourt mate, Joshua Beadle, also scored 26 against the Thundering Herd, giving the Chants a potent scoring duo.

The game features a contrast in momentum. Georgia Southern has been strong at home, boasting a 9-1 record in Statesboro this season. Coastal Carolina has struggled on the road, with a 3-6 mark away from Conway. The Eagles’ offense, which has scored 82 or more points in four of their last five, will test a Coastal Carolina defense that has allowed an average of 78.2 points in conference play.

A win would solidify Georgia Southern’s position in the upper tier of the Sun Belt standings, while Coastal Carolina seeks to even the season series and climb back to .500 in league play. The Chanticleers’ last visit to Hanner Fieldhouse resulted in a 90-67 loss on Dec. 18, 2024.