Payne Tech Lions (Newark, NJ) backers were in high spirits Tuesday as they witnessed their basketball squad tip the host North Star Academy (Newark, NJ), 63-57 in a league bout.

With the win, Payne Tech upgrades its record to 4-2 on the season. The Lions travel to Roselle Catholic (Roselle, NJ) to play the Lions in a non-league bout on Thursday, January 12. The Lions go into the bout with a record of 2-3.

Next up, the play the Columbia Cougars (Maplewood, NJ) in a Super Essex - American bout, on Thursday, January 5. North Star Academy will attempt to upgrade on its 3-4 season record. The Cougars go into the bout with a 7-3 record after their 55-49 non-league loss to Caldwell (West Caldwell, NJ).