Fans at Tuesday's league challenge between the Pearl Pirates (Pearl, MS) and the visiting Meridian Wildcats (Meridian, MS), saw Pearl's basketball squad hold off Meridian by a tally of 44-40.

With the victory, Pearl improves its record to 8-14 on the campaign. The Pirates travel to Northwest Rankin (Brandon, MS) to confront the Cougars in a 7A Region 3 challenge on Friday, January 26. The Cougars come into the challenge with a record of 17-10. Northwest Rankin won 63-33 in their recent league challenge against Oak Grove (Hattiesburg, MS)

Next up, the Wildcats confront the Petal Panthers (Petal, MS) in a 7A Region 3 challenge, on Friday, January 26. Meridian will attempt to improve on its 13-8 season record. The Panthers come into the challenge with a 9-13 record after their 49-46 league win over Oak Grove (Hattiesburg, MS).