Fans at Thursday's non-league challenge between the Ava Bears (Ava, MO) and the host Mansfield Lions (Mansfield, MO), saw Ava's basketball squad overcome Mansfield by a tally of 56-45.

With the victory, Ava improves its record to 15-4 on the campaign. The Bears travel to Salem (Salem, MO) to confront the Tigers in a South Central challenge on Friday, February 14. The Tigers come into the challenge with a record of 8-8. Salem won 83-55 in their recent league game against Mountain Grove (Mountain Grove, MO)

With the defeat, Mansfield moves to 1-15 on the year. The Lions host Gainesville (Gainesville, MO) to face the Bulldogs in a Summit game on Friday, February 14. The Bulldogs enter the game with a record of 7-5.