The Columbus Wildcats basketball squad (Columbus Junction, IA), was crushed 63-35 in Thursday's league battle with the host Pekin Panthers (Packwood, IA)

With the victory, Pekin advances its record to 4-3 on the year. The Panthers travel to Highland (Riverside, IA) to meet the Huskies in a SEI - North battle on Friday, January 3. The Huskies enter the battle with a record of 0-4. Highland lost 67-43 in their recent non-league battle against WACO (Wayland, IA)

The Wildcats now own a 3-5 record. They put it on the line next when they host Louisa-Muscatine for a SEI - North battle on Tuesday, January 7. Columbus will meet a Falcons squad coming off a 68-49 league win over Highland (Riverside, IA). The Falcons record now stands at 4-6.