The PCM boys basketball team stepped out of conference play Monday evening, traveling to Earlham in boys-only action. The Mustangs, coming off their first back-to-back losses of the season, were able to muscle out a hard-fought 55-49 victory on the road.

PCM took control with a 14-7 lead in the first quarter, but it largely remained even in the second. PCM increased the lead to 12 by the end of the third, but Earlham mounted a comeback in the fourth that fell just short.

PCM improves to 5-4 on the season. They’ll be back in action Friday evening, hosting South Hamilton in Heart of Iowa Conference action. That game will air as part of a girls-boys doubleheader on the KRLS3 stream.