Benton Rangers (Benton, IL) backers were pleased Thursday as they saw their basketball squad bounce the visiting Harrisburg Bulldogs (Harrisburg, IL), 45-24 in a league bout.

With the victory, Benton upgrades its record to 19-8 on the campaign. The Rangers host Poplar Bluff (Poplar Bluff, MO) to play the Mules in a non-league bout on Saturday, January 28. The Mules come into the bout with a record of 0-5. Poplar Bluff lost 71-28 in their recent non-league bout against Dyersburg (Dyersburg, TN)

Next up, the Bulldogs play the Murphysboro Red Devils (Murphysboro, IL) in a Southern Illinois River-to-River - Ohio bout, on Monday, January 30. Harrisburg will attempt to upgrade on its 20-6 season record. The Red Devils come into the bout with a 1-19 record after their 49-39 league loss to Frankfort (West Frankfort, IL).