The Mt. Pulaski Hilltoppers basketball squad (Mt. Pulaski, IL), was nudged 47-40 in Thursday's league battle with the host Athens Warriors (Athens, IL)

With the victory, Athens advances its record to 11-6 on the year. The Warriors travel to Illini Bluffs (Glasford, IL) to meet the Tigers in a Tomahawk battle on Saturday, January 11. The Tigers come into the test with a record of 12-8. Illini Bluffs won 59-23 in their recent league test against Midwest Central/Delavan (Manito, IL)

The Hilltoppers (10-5) will now prepare for their test against Lincolnwood (Raymond, IL). The Lancers come into the non-league test with a 3-14 record. In their last test, Lincolnwood was nipped by Pawnee/Calvary/Lutheran (Pawnee, IL), 41-32, in a league test.