Lutheran Crusaders (Rockford, IL) backers were in high spirits Thursday as they witnessed their basketball squad bounce the host Providence-St. Mel Knights (Chicago, IL), 72-43 in a non-league bout.

With the win, Lutheran upgrades its record to 10-4 on the season. The Crusaders travel to Bloomington Central Catholic (Bloomington, IL) to play the Saints in a non-league bout on Friday, December 29. The Saints go into the bout with a record of 6-6. Bloomington Central Catholic lost 55-49 in their recent non-league bout against Tri-Valley (Downs, IL)

Next up, the Knights play the Olympia Spartans (Stanford, IL) in a non-league bout, on Friday, December 29. Providence-St. Mel will attempt to upgrade on its 3-7 season record. The Spartans go into the bout with a 4-9 record after their 62-33 non-league loss to East Dubuque (East Dubuque, IL).