Merced Bears (Merced, CA) backers were pleased Thursday as they saw their basketball squad bounce the host Central Valley Hawks (Ceres, CA), 44-14 in a league bout.

With the victory, Merced upgrades its record to 9-7 on the campaign. The Bears travel to Patterson (Patterson, CA) to play the Tigers in a Central California Conference bout on Monday, January 9. The Tigers come into the bout with a record of 11-5. Patterson won 39-36 in their recent non-league bout against Gregori (Modesto, CA)

Next up, the Hawks play the Atwater Falcons (Atwater, CA) in a Central California Conference bout, on Monday, January 9. Central Valley will attempt to upgrade on its 1-13 season record. The Falcons come into the bout with a 7-10 record after their 56-49 non-league win over Gregori (Modesto, CA).