East Duplin Panthers (Beulaville, NC) backers were pleased Monday as they saw their basketball squad hold off the host Swansboro Pirates (Swansboro, NC), 55-53 in a non-league bout.

With the victory, East Duplin upgrades its record to 4-5 on the campaign. The Panthers host South Lenoir (Deep Run, NC) to play the Blue Devils in a bout on Wednesday, January 18. The Blue Devils come into the bout with a record of 6-3. South Lenoir lost 43-24 in their recent league bout against North Lenoir (LaGrange, NC)

Next up, the Pirates play the West Carteret Patriots (Morehead City, NC) in a non-league bout, on Tuesday, January 17. Swansboro will attempt to upgrade on its 6-2 season record.