Manual Rams (Peoria, IL) backers were pleased Tuesday as they saw their basketball squad hold off the visiting Geneseo Maple Leafs (Geneseo, IL), 44-40 in a non-league bout.

With the victory, Manual upgrades its record to 9-18 on the campaign. The Rams travel to Peoria Notre Dame (Peoria, IL) to play the Irish in a Big Twelve bout on Thursday, February 8. The Irish come into the bout with a record of 26-4. Peoria Notre Dame won 81-22 in their recent league bout against Champaign Central (Champaign, IL)

Next up, the Maple Leafs play the East Moline United Panthers (East Moline, IL) in a Western Big 6 bout, on Thursday, February 8. Geneseo will attempt to upgrade on its 7-21 season record. The Panthers come into the bout with a 23-5 record after their 56-45 non-league win over Richwoods (Peoria, IL).