Mankato East Cougars (Mankato, MN) backers were in high spirits Thursday as they witnessed their basketball squad thwart the visiting Owatonna Huskies (Owatonna, MN), 64-51 in a non-league bout.

With the win, Mankato East upgrades its record to 6-5 on the season. The Cougars travel to Mahtomedi (Mahtomedi, MN) to clash with the Zephyrs in a non-league bout on Saturday, January 6. The Zephyrs go into the bout with a record of 6-3. Mahtomedi won 73-68 in their recent league bout against Hill-Murray (Maplewood, MN)

Next up, the Huskies clash with the Lakeville North Panthers (Lakeville, MN) in a AAAA Section 1 bout, on Saturday, January 6. Owatonna will attempt to upgrade on its 4-7 season record. The Panthers go into the bout with a 6-3 record after their 71-59 non-league loss to Wayzata (Plymouth, MN).