Eustis Panthers (Eustis, FL) backers were in high spirits Tuesday as they witnessed their basketball squad nip the host Crystal River Pirates (Crystal River, FL), 51-49 in a league bout.

With the win, Eustis upgrades its record to 10-7 on the season. The Panthers host Dunnellon (Dunnellon, FL) to encounter the Tigers in a 5A District 7 bout on Friday, January 11. The Tigers go into the bout with a record of 4-12. Dunnellon lost 71-51 in their recent league bout against Tavares (Tavares, FL)

Next up, the Pirates encounter the Nature Coast Tech Sharks (Brooksville, FL) in a 5A District 7 challenge, on Thursday, January 10. Crystal River will attempt to improve on its 6-7 season record. The Sharks come into the challenge with a 12-3 record after their 56-40 league win over Hernando (Brooksville, FL).