Fans at Friday's league challenge between the Merced Bears (Merced, CA) and the host Pitman Pride (Turlock, CA), saw Merced's basketball squad hold off Pitman by a score of 60-57.

With the victory, Merced improves its record to 16-7 on the campaign. The Bears host Los Banos (Los Banos, CA) to battle the Tigers in a Central California challenge on Wednesday, February 6. The Tigers come into the challenge with a record of 17-7. Los Banos won 66-51 in their recent league challenge against Golden Valley (Merced, CA)

Next up, the Pride battle the Buhach Colony Thunder (Atwater, CA) in a Central California challenge, on Wednesday, February 6. Pitman will attempt to improve on its 15-7 season record. The Thunder come into the challenge with a 7-16 record after their 85-53 league loss to Merced (Merced, CA).