Sparta Bulldogs (Sparta, IL) backers were in high spirits Friday as they witnessed their basketball squad tip the visiting Murphysboro Red Devils (Murphysboro, IL), 51-46 in a non-league bout.

With the win, Sparta upgrades its record to 15-5 on the season. The Bulldogs host Red Bud (Red Bud, IL) to play the Musketeers in a non-league bout on Saturday, January 21. The Musketeers go into the bout with a record of 10-6.

Next up, the Red Devils play the Massac County Patriots (Metropolis, IL) in a Southern Illinois River-to-River - Ohio bout, on Friday, January 27. Murphysboro will attempt to upgrade on its 9-5 season record.