Howell Rebels (Farmingdale, NJ) backers were pleased Friday as they saw their basketball squad hold off the visiting Central Regional Golden Eagles (Bayville, NJ), 44-39 in a non-league bout.

With the victory, Howell upgrades its record to 8-1 on the campaign. The Rebels host Toms River East (Toms River, NJ) to encounter the Raiders in a non-league test on Saturday, January 7. The Raiders go into the test with a record of 4-3. Toms River East lost 54-49 in their recent league test against Jackson Memorial (Jackson Township, NJ)

The Golden Eagles now own a 3-3 record. They play next when they host Point Pleasant Boro for a Shore C - South test on Saturday, January 14.