The Centralia Orphans basketball squad (Centralia, IL), was nudged 43-40 in Tuesday's league battle with the host Mt. Vernon Rams (Mt. Vernon, IL)

With the victory, Mt. Vernon advances its record to 7-1 on the year. The Rams host Marion (Marion, IL) to clash with the Wildcats in a South Seven test on Thursday, December 12. The Wildcats come into the test with a record of 5-1. Marion won 59-32 in their recent non-league test against Waterloo (Waterloo, IL)

The Orphans (3-5) will now prepare for their test against Cahokia (Cahokia, IL). The Comanches come into the South Seven test with a 1-7 record. In their last test, Cahokia was nipped by Jersey (Jerseyville, IL), 62-13, in a non-league test.