The crowd at Thursday's non-league challenge between the Illini Central Cougars (Mason City, IL) and the visiting Lutheran Crusaders (Springfield, IL), observed Illini Central's basketball team edge Lutheran by a score of 83-82.

The Cougars (10-6) will now prepare for their challenge against Mt. Pulaski (Mt. Pulaski, IL). The Hilltoppers come into the Tomahawk challenge with a 6-9 record. In their last challenge, Mt. Pulaski was tipped by Heyworth (Heyworth, IL), 65-53, in a non-league challenge.

In their next game, the Crusaders encounter the Calvary Saints (Springfield, IL) in a non-league challenge, on Monday, January 13. Lutheran will attempt to improve on its 4-12 season record. The Saints come into the challenge with a 10-5 record after their 81-80 non-league win over Peoria Christian (Peoria, IL).