Payne Tech Lions (Newark, NJ) backers were pleased Tuesday as they saw their basketball squad knock off the visiting Montclair Mounties (Montclair, NJ), 63-53 in a league bout.

With the victory, Payne Tech upgrades its record to 3-2 on the campaign. The Lions travel to North Star Academy (Newark, NJ) to play the in a Super Essex - Liberty bout on Tuesday, January 3. The come into the bout with a record of 3-2. North Star Academy lost 70-57 in their recent non-league bout against Paramus Catholic (Paramus, NJ)

Next up, the Mounties play the Glen Ridge Ridgers (Glen Ridge, NJ) in a non-league bout, on Tuesday, January 3. Montclair will attempt to upgrade on its 4-1 season record. The Ridgers come into the bout with a 1-5 record after their 72-45 non-league win over People's Prep (Newark, NJ).