Gardner Wildcats (Gardner, MA) backers were pleased Friday as they saw their basketball squad knock off the visiting Murdock Blue Devils (Winchendon, MA), 61-43 in a non-league bout.

With the victory, Gardner upgrades its record to 5-1 on the campaign. The Wildcats travel to South Lancaster Academy (South Lancaster, MA) to play the Crusaders in a non-league bout on Tuesday, January 3. The Crusaders come into the bout with a record of 3-2. South Lancaster Academy won 47-41 in their recent league bout against Bethany Christian Academy (Mendon, MA)

Next up, the Blue Devils play the Ayer Shirley Panthers (Ayer, MA) in a Midland-Wachusett E bout, on Tuesday, January 3. Murdock will attempt to upgrade on its 3-2 season record. The Panthers come into the bout with a 3-2 record after their 51-48 non-league win over St. Bernard's Central Catholic (Fitchburg, MA).