The Monticello Sages overcame a nine point second half deficit, and scored 10 unanswered points to start the fourth quarter, as they defeated Central A & M 57-47 Tuesday night in the semi-finals of the Okaw Valley Boys basketball tournament.

Bryan Phipps rattled off nine straight points to end the third quarter and start the fourth as his presence fueled the Sages frantic comeback.

Ryan Donahue had six of this 13 points in the fourth quarter, including a crucial steal that led to a break away layup with just under a minute and a half remaining that gave Monticello their largest lead of 11.

Phipps finished with 17 points and five rebounds. Isaac Bales finished with 11 points, five rebounds and five assists, including back-to-back three's late in the third quarter that cut the nine point deficit to three.

Nick Stokowski was a rebound shy of a double-double, despite being hounded on defense all night, as Central A&M used a box-in-one style defense throughout the night.

With the win, Monticello advances to the Okaw Valley Conference tournament championship on Saturday, to take on Meridian, who defeated Decatur St. Teresa Tuesday night.

Monticello is now 18-2 on the season and Central A&M is 15-5.

Game time Saturday night is at 7:30. You can hear all the action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.

Okaw Valley Tournament games tonight...

Shelbyville
Warrensburg-Latham 6PM @ Maroa-Forsyth

Unity
Maroa-Forsyth 7:30PM @ Maroa-Forsyth