Normal University Pioneers (Normal, IL) backers were pleased Tuesday as they saw their basketball squad hold off the visiting Jacksonville Crimsons (Jacksonville, IL), 49-44 in a league bout.

With the victory, Normal University upgrades its record to 10-5 on the campaign. The Pioneers host Lanphier (Springfield, IL) to play the Lions in a Central State Eight bout on Friday, January 6. The Lions come into the bout with a record of 7-4. Lanphier lost 60-53 in their recent league bout against Decatur Eisenhower (Decatur, IL)

Next up, the Crimsons play the Springfield Senators (Springfield, IL) in a Central State Eight bout, on Friday, January 6. Jacksonville will attempt to upgrade on its 3-13 season record. The Senators come into the bout with a 6-10 record after their 60-53 league win over Rochester (Rochester, IL).