University Phoenix (Newark, NJ) followers went home content Thursday as they observed their basketball team nudge the host Verona Hillbillies (Verona, NJ), 47-44 in a non-league game.

In their next game, the Phoenix face the Barringer Blue Bears (Newark, NJ) in a non-league game, on Saturday, January 6. University will attempt to move on its 2-5 season record.

With the defeat, Verona moves to 3-6 on the year. The Hillbillies host Shabazz (Newark, NJ) to face the Bulldogs in a Super Essex - Colonial game on Saturday, January 6. The Bulldogs enter the game with a record of 4-4. Shabazz lost 33-32 in their recent non-league game against Livingston (Livingston, NJ)