Monticello powered through a physical game to topple Illinois Valley Central 53-51 for their third straight win Friday night in Illini Prairie Conference boys basketball action from Chillicothe.

Trailing 7-0 to start the game, the Monticello finished the first quarter on a 13-2 run and IVC only tied the score once the rest of the way in trying to overpower the smaller Sages.

Ben Cresap made a clutch three late and Dylan Ginalick made five of six free throws down the stretch to help Monticello keep the Grey Ghosts at bay.

Ginalick finished with 20 points to lead all scorers and Cresap scored 12 points. Jake Edmondson added ten points.

Monticello improves to 3-0 on the season and will return home Tuesday hosting Champaign St. Thomas More after a two-game road swing this week.

Game time Tuesday is 7 pm. Hear the action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.