The Pope County Pirates tipped the visiting Hardin County Cougars basketball team by a final score of 55-54 in Friday's league game.

In their next game, the Pirates face the Egyptian Pharaohs (Tamms, IL) in a non-league game, on Saturday, January 13. Pope County will attempt to move on its 9-9 season record. The Pharaohs enter the game with a 4-16 record after their 53-39 league loss to Agape Christian (Energy, IL).

With the defeat, Hardin County moves to 5-9 on the year. The Cougars travel to Gallatin County (Junction, IL) to face the Hawks in a Greater Egyptian game on Friday, January 19. The Hawks enter the game with a record of 8-13. Gallatin County won 52-38 in their recent league game against Norris City-Omaha-Enfield (Norris City, IL)