Tonight in Lillington, the Vike boys' basketball team is in search of a third straight win as they face Cape Fear Valley (CFV) conference foe, the Western Harnett Eagles. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Coming off consecutive wins in two crucial conference contests, Union Pines could solidify its spot in the CFV with a win over the Eagles.

While the Vikes have yet to put together a three-game win streak so far this season, they are riding a four-game league-winning streak after a loss to Overhills in the conference opener.

Overhills (11-4, 6-0) is the top team in the league.

At 4-1 in the CFV, Union Pines is tied for second with the Southern Lee Cavaliers.

With the Cavaliers hosting Overhills on Friday, the Vikes are looking at a scenario that assures them no worse than sole possession of second place in the conference standings should they manage to escape Lillington with a win. If Southern Lee defeats the Jaguars and Union Pines wins, there would be a three-way tie for the conference top spot.

Taking all this into consideration, Vike head coach Bobby Purvis is approaching tonight's game with a business-as-usual attitude.

"For us, we will prepare the same way we do every time," Purvis said, "which is to have our team ready to play. I watched Western Harnett Tuesday go to Overhills and really compete and play hard. I was very impressed with the Eagles' basketball team, they have made a tremendous amount of improvement and our kids have to be ready for the challenge."

Western Harnett held a 14-point lead against Overhills with 5:13 left in regulation Tuesday night. Eventually the game would be decided in overtime as the first-place Jaguars survived a scare, pulling out an 81-79 victory.

Union Pines will not take Western Harnett (5-11, 1-5) lightly.

"We know what they are capable of," Purvis said.

"I can assure you that we will not be looking past the Eagles when we take the floor in their gym."

Contact F.W. Manning II at 639-5481 or by mail at fwm2@nc.rr.com.