Italy Gladiators (Italy, TX) backers were pleased Friday as they saw their basketball squad knock off the visiting Crawford Pirates (Crawford, TX), 55-40 in a non-league bout.

With the victory, Italy upgrades its record to 20-13 on the campaign. The Gladiators travel to Poolville (Poolville, TX) to play the Monarchs in a non-league bout on Monday, February 19. The Monarchs come into the bout with a record of 27-5. Poolville won 62-26 in their recent league bout against De Leon (De Leon, TX)

Next up, the Pirates play the Dawson Bulldogs (Dawson, TX) in a non-league bout, on Tuesday, February 20. Crawford will attempt to upgrade on its 11-9 season record. The Bulldogs come into the bout with a 19-8 record after their 53-50 league win over Hubbard (Hubbard, TX).