Fans at Thursday's non-league challenge between the Columbia Cougars (Maplewood, NJ) and the visiting North Star Academy (Newark, NJ), saw Columbia's basketball squad hold off North Star Academy by a tally of 52-46.

With the victory, Columbia improves its record to 17-5 on the campaign. The Cougars host Irvington (Irvington, NJ) to confront the Blue Knights in a Super Essex - American challenge on Tuesday, February 7. The Blue Knights come into the challenge with a record of 17-6. Irvington lost 78-44 in their recent non-league challenge against Seton Hall Prep (West Orange, NJ)

Next up, the confront the Central Blue Devils (Newark, NJ) in a non-league challenge, on Friday, February 3. North Star Academy will attempt to improve on its 8-12 season record. The Blue Devils come into the challenge with a 5-15 record after their 46-41 league loss to Arts (Newark, NJ).