In a game heard on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com, the Monticello Sages shut down dynamic junior Ty Pence for St. Joseph-Ogden in a 57-29, snapping a two-game losing streak and landing Coach Kevin Roy his 300th career win at Monticello High School in Illini Prairie Conference high school boy's basketball action Friday night.

The Sages struggled in consecutive losses to Meridian last Saturday and Tuesday night at Prairie Central but together a strong performance against their conference rivals. 

Monticello struggled from beyond the arc in the two losses but rebounded going 5-for-11 and shot 64 from the floor, scoring 38 points in the paint.

The Sages dished out 14 points on 25 field goals and outrebounded the Spartans 29-15. 

Pence was limited to 17 points for St. Joe while the Spartans shot just 27-percent and went 2-for-14 from three.

Ben Cresap led a lights-out defensive effort against Pence and scored 20 points to lead all scorers. Joey Sprinkled recorded his second double-double of the season with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Sprinkle and Cresap were ServPro of Piatt/DeWitt County co-Players of the Game.

Dylan Ginalick scored 12 points, dished out six assists and grabbed five rebounds. 

St. Joe drops to 16-5 and 3-2 in the Illini Prairie.

Monticello improves to 21-3 overall and 5-1 in the conference. They host Rantoul Tuesday night at 7 pm. Hear the action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.