Sparta Bulldogs (Sparta, IL) supporters were pleased Wednesday as they saw their basketball squad hold off the visiting Lovejoy Wildcats (Lovejoy, IL), 63-58 in a non-league challenge.

With the victory, Sparta improves its record to 14-5 on the campaign. The Bulldogs host Murphysboro (Murphysboro, IL) to confront the Red Devils in a non-league challenge on Friday, January 20. The Red Devils come into the challenge with a record of 8-4. Murphysboro won 48-41 in their recent league challenge against Benton (Benton, IL)

Next up, the Wildcats confront the Illinois School for the Deaf Tigers (Jacksonville, IL) in a non-league challenge, on Wednesday, February 1. Lovejoy will attempt to improve on its 7-6 season record.