Northwest Christian Crusaders (Phoenix, AZ) backers were pleased Thursday as they saw their basketball squad hold off the visiting Payson Longhorns (Payson, AZ), 60-58 in a non-league bout.

With the victory, Northwest Christian upgrades its record to 1-0 on the campaign. The Crusaders travel to Odyssey Institute (Buckeye, AZ) to play the Minotaur in a non-league bout on Tuesday, December 6. The Minotaur come into the bout with a record of 2-5. Odyssey Institute lost 64-47 in their recent non-league bout against Florence (Florence, AZ)

Next up, the Longhorns play the American Leadership Academy - Ironwood Warriors (Ironwood, AZ) in a non-league bout, on Friday, December 2. Payson will attempt to upgrade on its 1-1 season record. The Warriors come into the bout with a 4-1 record after their 68-32 non-league win over American Leadership Academy - West Foothills (Waddell, AZ).