Rockford Christian Royal Lions (Rockford, IL) backers were pleased Thursday as they saw their basketball squad hold off the visiting Lutheran Crusaders (Rockford, IL), 76-70 in a non-league bout.

With the victory, Rockford Christian upgrades its record to 23-1 on the campaign. The Royal Lions host Stillman Valley (Stillman Valley, IL) to play the Cardinals in a Big Northern bout on Saturday, January 28. The Cardinals come into the bout with a record of 15-7. Stillman Valley won 62-57 in their recent non-league bout against Rochelle (Rochelle, IL)

Next up, the Crusaders play the Lisle Lions (Lisle, IL) in a non-league bout, on Friday, January 27. Lutheran will attempt to upgrade on its 14-8 season record. The Lions come into the bout with a 11-12 record after their 61-52 league loss to Reed-Custer (Braidwood, IL).