Mathis Pirates (Mathis, TX) backers were in high spirits Tuesday as they witnessed their basketball squad thwart the visiting Santa Gertrudis Academy Lions (Kingsville, TX), 53-45 in a non-league bout.

With the win, Mathis upgrades its record to 9-13 on the season. The Pirates host Incarnate Word Academy (Corpus Christi, TX) to clash with the Angels in a non-league bout on Friday, January 6. The Angels go into the bout with a record of 13-11. Incarnate Word Academy lost 53-46 in their recent league bout against Holy Cross (San Antonio, TX)

Next up, the Lions clash with the La Joya Coyotes (La Joya, TX) in a non-league bout, on Friday, January 6. Santa Gertrudis Academy will attempt to upgrade on its 14-7 season record. The Coyotes go into the bout with a 17-9 record after their 59-44 non-league win over Weslaco (Weslaco, TX).