The Delavan Varsity Panthers faced a demanding stretch of basketball this past week, falling in back‑to‑back contests against two disciplined, high‑energy opponents.

Pink Out Night: Titans Overpower Panthers, 63–38

On Monday, January 26, Jake Poppenga Gymnasium was awash in pink as the community turned out for the annual Pink Out Night, but the visiting El Paso/Gridley Titans brought a level of speed, physicality, and defensive pressure that proved difficult to match.

The Titans controlled the tempo from the opening tip, pushing the pace and forcing Delavan into tough looks. Despite stretches of strong defensive effort and moments of offensive rhythm, the Panthers couldn’t keep up with EPG’s relentless attack, ultimately falling 63–38.

Even in defeat, Delavan showed grit—fighting for loose balls, working to break the Titans’ pressure, and refusing to let the game’s intensity dampen the spirit of the night’s cause.

Heartbreaker on the Road: Illini Central Edges Delavan, 60–54

Three days later, on Thursday, January 29, the Panthers traveled to Illini Central and delivered one of their most competitive performances of the season. The matchup was a back‑and‑forth battle, with Delavan clawing back from multiple deficits and keeping the Cougars within reach deep into the fourth quarter.

In the final minutes, however, Illini Central capitalized on a handful of key possessions, hitting timely shots and converting at the free‑throw line to secure a 60–54 win. Delavan’s late push—marked by aggressive drives, smart ball movement, and improved defensive rotations—kept the outcome in doubt until the closing seconds.