Emerson Pirates (Emerson, AR) backers went home thrilled Friday as they saw their basketball team thwart the host Bradley Bears (Bradley, AR), 63-54 in a league contest.

The Pirates (2-5) will now prepare for their contest against Bearden (Bearden, AR). The Bears go into the 1A Region 8 contest with a 1-4 record. In their last contest, Bearden topped Hermitage (Hermitage, AR), 77-44, in a league contest.

In their next game, the Bears confront the Hermitage Hermits (Hermitage, AR) in a 1A Region 8 contest, on Tuesday, December 9. Bradley will attempt to upgrade on its 0-12 season record. The Hermits enter the outing with a 2-1 record after their 70-27 non-league win over Harmony Grove (Camden, AR).