Searcy Lions (Searcy, AR) backers were in high spirits Friday as they witnessed their basketball squad thwart the host Marion Patriots (Marion, AR), 53-40 in a league bout.

With the win, Searcy upgrades its record to 13-4 on the season. The Lions host Greene County Tech (Paragould, AR) to clash with the Golden Eagles in a 5A East bout on Tuesday, January 16. The Golden Eagles go into the bout with a record of 15-5. Greene County Tech won 57-41 in their recent league bout against Valley View (Jonesboro, AR)

Next up, the Patriots clash with the Batesville Pioneers (Batesville, AR) in a 5A East bout, on Tuesday, January 16. Marion will attempt to upgrade on its 10-8 season record. The Pioneers go into the bout with a 9-8 record after their 53-36 league win over Paragould (Paragould, AR).