University Phoenix (Newark, NJ) backers were pleased Saturday as they saw their basketball squad hold off the visiting Pope John XXIII (Sparta, NJ), 51-45 in a non-league bout.

With the victory, University upgrades its record to 8-1 on the campaign. The Phoenix travel to West Orange (West Orange, NJ) to play the Mountaineers in a Super Essex - American bout on Tuesday, January 9. The Mountaineers come into the bout with a record of 8-3. West Orange lost 62-56 in their recent non-league bout against Notre Dame Academy (Staten Island, NY)

Next up, the play the Academy of St. Elizabeth Panthers (Convent Station, NJ) in a non-league bout, on Tuesday, January 9. Pope John XXIII will attempt to upgrade on its 6-3 season record. The Panthers come into the bout with a 5-4 record after their 59-38 non-league win over Veritas Christian Academy (Sparta, NJ).