Fans at Friday's league challenge between the Golden Valley Cougars (Merced, CA) and the host Merced Bears (Merced, CA), saw Golden Valley's basketball squad hold off Merced by a tally of 51-48.

With the victory, Golden Valley improves its record to 12-9 on the campaign. The Cougars travel to Buhach Colony (Atwater, CA) to confront the Thunder in a Central California Conference challenge on Monday, January 23. The Thunder come into the challenge with a record of 7-15. Buhach Colony lost 85-49 in their recent league challenge against Atwater (Atwater, CA)

Next up, the Bears confront the El Capitan Gauchos (Merced, CA) in a Central California Conference challenge, on Monday, January 23. Merced will attempt to improve on its 9-13 season record. The Gauchos come into the challenge with a 11-10 record after their 65-35 league win over Central Valley (Ceres, CA).