INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Lafayette men's basketball traveled to Butler on Monday evening, dropping the opening matchup of the 2026-27 season. The Bulldogs secured a 96-60 final that was powered by double-digit outings from six different players.
Shareef Jackson turned in a 14-point performance in his season debut. The sophomore forward added in five rebounds, three assists and a block.Jasraj Gill, making his first collegiate appearance and start, recorded eight points while pulling down seven rebounds.
Butler collected an early 20-10 advantage, capitalizing with Jalen Jackson. Jackson found his groove early, claiming seven of his squads' points within the first five minutes of the contest.
The Bulldogs eventually pushed their lead 28-15 courtesy of a triple from Jordan Ellerbee. Over the next 55 seconds, the Leopards collected a quick seven points and knocked down three of their next three attempts from the field. Lafayette trimmed the deficit to 28-22 with 7:38 left thanks to buckets from Beckett Currie, Jasraj Gill and Patrick D'Arcy.
Butler immediately proceeded Lafayette's stretch with a 16-5 run. Asim Djulovic was instrumental in the spurt, adding in eight points for a 44-27 lead.
The hosts controlled the contest at halftime, 54-34. Djulovic (14) and Jackson (13) produced 27 of Butler's points, while each knocking down three balls from beyond the arc. Jackson and Cooper Kesler paced the Leopards in points, with seven apiece.
The Bulldogs found success in the first half in assists, racking up 15 assists to the Leopards' three.
Over the first 10 minutes of the second half, Butler increased its advantage, 79-47. Ellerbee caught fire, notching 10 second-half points. The hosts' shot 45.5% from the field while converting five of their 18 attempts from deep.
The Bulldogs put the contest away down the stretch, capping the contest off for a 96-60 final.
Lafayette returns to Easton on Thursday, hosting King's College for one half of a home-opening doubleheader.
For the latest on the Lafayette College men's basketball program, follow the Leopards on Twitter @LafayetteMBB and Instagram @lafayettembb.
