CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum before conference play begins will meet Sunday when the Charlotte 49ers host the Illinois-Chicago Flames in a nonconference men’s basketball game at Halton Arena. The matchup features struggling squads with nearly identical records. Charlotte (5-7) snapped a two-game skid with an 81-67 home win over Lafayette on Thursday. The 49ers have relied on balanced scoring, with four players averaging between 9.5 and 11.5 points per game. Guard Damoni Harrison, coming off a 12-point performance against Lafayette, provides a spark off the bench. Illinois-Chicago (4-7) arrives on a five-game losing streak, most recently falling 60-54 to Northern Iowa on Wednesday. The Flames have struggled to close out tight games, with three of their last four losses coming by four points or fewer. Forward Mekhi Lowery has been a consistent bright spot, averaging 10.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.3 blocks over his last seven contests. He posted 10 points and two assists in the loss to Northern Iowa. Charlotte has shown resilience at home, going 4-2 in Halton Arena this season. The 49ers’ defense will aim to contain a UIC offense that has been held under 70 points in four of its last five games. For UIC, breaking its lengthy losing streak will require better late-game execution and finding secondary scoring behind Lowery. Guard Ahmad Henderson, who dished out seven assists Wednesday, will be key in facilitating the offense. This game serves as a final tune-up before both teams dive into their respective conference schedules. Charlotte opens American Athletic Conference play on Dec. 31 against Temple, while UIC begins Missouri Valley Conference action on Jan. 1 against Murray State. Tipoff is set for Sunday afternoon.