Charlotte defeats UIC 88-76
Charlotte 88, UIC 76: A Thrilling Comeback Victory at Home
Halton Arena, Charlotte, NC - December 21, 2025
In a high-scoring non-conference matchup, the University of Charlotte men's basketball team staged an impressive comeback to defeat visiting UIC 88-76 on Sunday evening. The Panthers, playing in front of their energetic home crowd, erased a 7-point halftime deficit to secure a crucial win at Halton Arena.
A Challenging First Half
The first half saw both teams struggling to find its rhythm, with Charlotte (HOME) leading 31-38 at the break. UIC's (AWAY) Andy Johnson led all scorers with 16 points, but the Flames' shooting percentages were a concern, hitting just 33% of their field goal attempts.
The Comeback
In the second half, Charlotte made significant adjustments to its defense and offense, resulting in a commanding 57-39 lead midway through the period. The Panthers' bench played a crucial role, providing key contributions from several players. Ben Bradford led the team with 26 points, including 0-5 three-point attempts, but his all-around effort was instrumental in Charlotte's comeback.
Key Differentiating Stats
Charlotte's (HOME) ability to contain UIC's (AWAY) Rashund Washington Jr., who had 12 points and 7 rebounds, was a significant factor in the game. The Panthers' strong rebounding performance on both ends of the court, with 43 total rebounds, also helped secure their victory.
Game Flow
The largest lead for either team came when Charlotte took a 12-point advantage early in the second half, prompting UIC to mount its own comeback. The visitors narrowed the gap to just 9 points before Bradford and company sealed the win with an impressive finish.
Advanced Team Statistics
Charlotte's eFG% of 50.9%, FT Rate of 61.4%, OREB% of 37.2%, and TO Ratio of 17.8 all contributed to their success, while UIC struggled with its shooting percentages (eFG% of 47.7%) and turnover rate (TO Ratio of 17.8).
Final Thoughts
Charlotte's win marks a crucial non-conference victory for the program, as they take on upcoming challenges in conference play. The Panthers' ability to overcome adversity and capitalize on key performances will be essential in their quest for success this season.
In contrast, UIC faces an uphill battle to regain momentum after suffering its second consecutive loss. The Flames must regroup and focus on addressing their shooting woes if they hope to compete with the top teams in the conference.
For now, Charlotte basks in the glory of a hard-fought win at home, looking forward to the next challenge that comes their way.