Normal University Pioneers (Normal, IL) backers were pleased Saturday as they saw their basketball squad bounce the host Carterville Lions (Carterville, IL), 68-42 in a non-league bout.

With the victory, Normal University upgrades its record to 11-6 on the campaign. The Pioneers host Springfield Southeast (Springfield, IL) to play the Spartans in a Central State Eight bout on Tuesday, January 9. The Spartans come into the bout with a record of 2-10. Springfield Southeast won 61-37 in their recent non-league bout against Bloomington (Bloomington, IL)

Next up, the Lions play the Hamilton County Foxes (McLeansboro, IL) in a non-league bout, on Tuesday, January 9. Carterville will attempt to upgrade on its 7-8 season record. The Foxes come into the bout with a 12-4 record after their 59-34 non-league win over Norris City-Omaha-Enfield (Norris City, IL).