The Monticello Sages overcame a 35-11 deficit at halftime but fell just short in a 41-35 loss at Pleasant Plains in the season opener in non-conference high school boys basketball action.

Garrett Kepley scored nine of his team-high 13 points in the third quarter to help the Sages to a 15-5 run that cut the deficit 40-36. 

Monticello would get within one in the fourth but missed opportunities to pull ahead.

Nick Savage scored 20 points to lead the Cardinals. Corgan Greer added 14 points and pulled down eight rebounds. 

Monticello did not start strong from beyond the arc, finishing 2-for-14 while Plains was 6-for-16. 

Each team made 15 field goals. Monticello shot 33-percent and the Cardinals finished at 36-percent. 

The Sages outrebounded Pleasant Plains 32-25, Briggs Fultz pulled down a game-high nine rebounds and had three blocked shots. Monticello dominated the paint, outscoring the Cardinals 26-14. 

Monticello committed 14 turnovers to Plains’ 13 and the Sages dished out seven assists, bested by the Cardinals’ eight. 

Monticello continues a Springfield-area swing with a trip to Riverton next Tuesday night. Tip time is 7:30 pm and can be heard on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.