Sam McLaurin had a career high 19 points and 15 rebounds, and Chris Gradnigo and Anthony Raffa combined for 45 points in Coastal Carolina's 87-78 win over VMI at Kimbel Arena on Tuesday night.  The Chanticleers led the game wire to wire building a 12 point halftime lead. 

  CCU used strong perimeter defense to hold VMI to 26 first half points.  The Keydets never got closer than 7 points in the second half as Coastal scored its seventh consecutive win against VMI.  McLaurin was 8 of 11 from the floor and nearly matched his 16 rebound effort against LSU.  Gradnigo had 22 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists.  Raffa had 23 points as he continues to handle point guard duties with Kierre Greenwood on the shelf.  Greenwood missed his second straight game with a calf injury and is listed as day to day.  Jon Pack continues to play with dislocated fingers and was limited to 15 minutes of action.  The Chanticleers outrebounded VMI 50-29.  Stan Okoye paced the Keydets with 25 points. 

  Coastal improves to 6-1, 1-0 in Big South play.  The Chanticleers take on Liberty on Saturday followed by a road game in Charleston against the Citadel on Tuesday night.  Following those two games, Coastal gets a ten day break for final exams.  Coach Ellis looks forward to the break to get his team back to full strength.