Fans at Friday's non-league challenge between the Rock Falls Rockets (Rock Falls, IL) and the host Normal University Pioneers (Normal, IL), saw Rock Falls's basketball squad hold off Normal University by a tally of 35-31.

With the victory, Rock Falls improves its record to 5-15 on the campaign. The Rockets travel to Byron (Byron, IL) to confront the Tigers in a Big Northern challenge on Thursday, January 4. The Tigers come into the challenge with a record of 10-5. Byron lost 57-33 in their recent non-league challenge against East Moline United (East Moline, IL)

Next up, the Pioneers confront the Springfield Senators (Springfield, IL) in a Central State Eight challenge, on Thursday, January 4. Normal University will attempt to improve on its 2-15 season record. The Senators come into the challenge with a 8-7 record after their 38-19 non-league win over Geneseo (Geneseo, IL).