Charlotte, North Carolina, December 18, 2025
The Charlotte 49ers men’s basketball team will face off against the Lafayette Leopards at the Dale F. Halton Arena. This game marks the start of a four-game homestand for the 49ers, while the Leopards aim to end their five-game road losing streak. Both teams will look to improve their season records, with key players like Caleb Williams and Ben Bradford set to make an impact.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte 49ers Host Lafayette Leopards in Thursday Night Basketball Matchup
Charlotte, North Carolina – The Charlotte 49ers men’s basketball team is set to host the Lafayette Leopards on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 7 p.m. EST. The highly anticipated game will take place at the Dale F. Halton Arena in Charlotte, marking the beginning of a crucial four-game homestand for the 49ers. For the visiting Lafayette Leopards, the game presents an opportunity to break a challenging five-game road losing streak.
The 49ers enter the contest with a season record of 4-7, while the Leopards currently stand at 3-8. Both teams will be looking to secure a victory to improve their standings in the ongoing college basketball season. Fans unable to attend the game in person can catch the action live on ESPN+.
Key Players and Team Performance
The matchup features several prominent players who are expected to significantly impact the game’s outcome. For Lafayette, sophomore guard Caleb Williams is a key offensive threat, leading the Leopards in scoring with an impressive average of 17.4 points per game. In their recent 74-72 loss to the Pennsylvania Quakers, Williams contributed 21 points. Other vital contributors for Lafayette include Shareef Jackson, who leads the team in rebounding with 6.0 boards per game, and Mark Butler, the team’s assist leader averaging 3.7 assists per game. Williams is also Lafayette’s most prolific three-point shooter, making 3.3 shots from beyond the arc per game. Defensively, Ryan Pettit averages 1.6 steals per game, and Christian Humphrey leads in blocks with 0.9 per contest.
On the Charlotte side, Ben Bradford stands out as the 49ers’ leading scorer, averaging 14.0 points per game, along with 3.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists. Anton Bonke plays a crucial role in Charlotte’s interior defense and rebounding, leading the team with 9.0 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. Dezayne Mingo is the team’s primary facilitator, distributing an average of 3.0 assists per game. Major Freeman leads the 49ers in three-point shooting, connecting on an average of 1.6 shots from deep per game.
Statistical Overview
Charlotte boasts a 4-2 record when playing at home, indicating a strong performance on their home court. Conversely, Lafayette has struggled on the road this season, holding an 0-5 record in away games.
Looking at recent performances over their last 10 games, the 49ers have averaged 67.6 points per game while allowing 71.5 points per game from their opponents. They have maintained a field goal shooting percentage of 43.6% during this period. Lafayette, over their last 10 games, has averaged 68.9 points per game but has allowed a higher 73.9 points per game from opponents, with a field goal shooting percentage of 40.7%.
A notable statistic highlights Lafayette’s season-long shooting efficiency, with their 41.2% field goal percentage being 5.2 percentage points lower than the 46.4% Charlotte has allowed to its opponents. Charlotte is also recognized for its aggressive play on the offensive glass, ranking eighth in the AAC with an average of 10.2 offensive rebounds per game, with Anton Bonke averaging 3.7 offensive rebounds.
Background and Expectations
Lafayette’s Caleb Williams has consistently proven himself as one of the top young guards in the Patriot League, a testament to his scoring prowess and overall impact on the team. He earned Patriot League All-Rookie Team honors in the previous season. On the Charlotte roster, Anton Bonke, a transfer from Providence, has quickly established himself as a significant presence among the conference’s top big men, excelling in various statistical categories.
The game is expected to be a competitive one as both teams vie for a much-needed victory. Charlotte will aim to capitalize on their home-court advantage and strong offensive rebounding, while Lafayette will seek to leverage Caleb Williams’ scoring ability and improve their road performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What event is taking place in Charlotte on December 18, 2025?
- The Charlotte 49ers men’s basketball team is hosting the Lafayette Leopards in a college basketball game.
- When and where will the game be held?
- The game will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 7 p.m. EST, at the Dale F. Halton Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina.
- What are the current records for the Charlotte 49ers and Lafayette Leopards?
- The Charlotte 49ers have a season record of 4-7, while the Lafayette Leopards’ record is 3-8.
- Who are some of the key players to watch?
- For Lafayette, Caleb Williams is a key player, leading the Leopards in scoring with an average of 17.4 points per game. For Charlotte, Ben Bradford is the leading scorer, tallying 14.0 points per game.
- How can I watch the game?
- The game will be available for viewing on ESPN+.
- What is the Charlotte 49ers’ home record?
- The Charlotte 49ers have gone 4-2 at home this season.
- What is the Lafayette Leopards’ road record?
- The Lafayette Leopards are 0-5 in road games.
Key Features of the Charlotte vs. Lafayette Basketball Game
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | NCAA Men’s College Basketball Game |
| Matchup | Charlotte 49ers vs. Lafayette Leopards |
| Date | Thursday, December 18, 2025 |
| Time | 7 p.m. EST |
| Location | Dale F. Halton Arena, Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Charlotte Record (Season) | 4-7 |
| Lafayette Record (Season) | 3-8 |
| Key Player (Lafayette) | Caleb Williams (17.4 points per game) |
| Key Player (Charlotte) | Ben Bradford (14.0 points per game) |
| Broadcast | ESPN+ |
| Charlotte Home Record | 4-2 |
| Lafayette Road Record | 0-5 |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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