Lakeland Thunderbirds (Minocqua, WI) backers were pleased Thursday as they saw their basketball squad knock off the visiting Merrill Bluejays (Merrill, WI), 77-62 in a non-league bout.

With the victory, Lakeland upgrades its record to 7-7 on the campaign. The Thunderbirds host Antigo (Antigo, WI) to play the Red Robins in a Great Northern bout on Friday, February 3. The Red Robins come into the bout with a record of 2-14.

Next up, the Bluejays play the Wausau East Lumberjacks (Wausau, WI) in a Wisconsin Valley bout, on Friday, January 27. Merrill will attempt to upgrade on its 5-9 season record. The Lumberjacks come into the bout with a 7-9 record after their 77-69 league win over D.C. Everest (Schofield, WI).