Fans at Thursday's non-league challenge between the Merced Bears (Merced, CA) and the host Modesto Panthers (Modesto, CA), saw Merced's basketball squad overcome Modesto by a tally of 70-62.

With the victory, Merced improves its record to 4-3 on the campaign. The Bears travel to Venture Academy (Stockton, CA) to confront the Mustangs in a non-league challenge on Friday, December 9. The Mustangs come into the challenge with a record of 3-2. Venture Academy won 59-32 in their recent non-league challenge against Golden Valley (Merced, CA)

Next up, the Panthers confront the Golden Valley Cougars (Merced, CA) in a non-league challenge, on Friday, December 9. Modesto will attempt to improve on its 2-4 season record. The Cougars come into the challenge with a 1-7 record after their 59-32 non-league loss to Venture Academy (Stockton, CA).