Fans at Friday's non-league challenge between the Mankato East Cougars (Mankato, MN) and the visiting Austin Packers (Austin, MN), saw Mankato East's basketball squad hold off Austin by a tally of 55-50.

With the victory, Mankato East improves its record to 9-6 on the campaign. The Cougars host Jordan (Jordan, MN) to play the Hubmen / Jaguars in a AAA Section 2 challenge on Tuesday, January 31. The Hubmen / Jaguars come into the challenge with a record of 13-2. Jordan won 64-39 in their recent non-league challenge against Hutchinson (Hutchinson, MN)

Next up, the Packers play the Albert Lea Tigers (Albert Lea, MN) in a AAA Section 1 challenge, on Monday, January 30. Austin will attempt to improve on its 11-5 season record. The Tigers come into the challenge with a 1-13 record after their 69-52 league loss to Owatonna (Owatonna, MN).