Monticello held off North Mac for a 59-57 win at the Illini Prairie-Sangamo Conference Shootout from Tolono Unity High School Saturday afternoon.

The Sages fell behind 12-3 in the first and finished the first half on a 27-7 run to open up a 30-19 lead at the intermission.

North Mac answered by taking the lead in the fourth quarter after falling behind by 14 points. Tanner Wilson had a chance to tie the game at the line with under ten seconds to play but missed the second of two free throws and Monticello held on to win.

Wilson carried the Panthers with 30 points and shot 7-for-12 from distance while Will Downs added 12 points and Grant Thoroman scored 11 points. 

The Sages were led by Garrett Kepley’s 11 points. Briggs Fultz, Ryan Reeder, Jake Edmondson and Dylan Ginalick each scored nine points and Cooper Mitz added eight points off the bench. 

The Sages scored 44 of their 59 points in the paint and shot 52-percent from the floor for the game. Monticello converted 11 offensive rebounds into 15 points and got 30 points from their bench. 

With Saturday’s win, Monticello breaks a three-game losing skid as they get set to host Champaign St. Thomas More on Tuesday night. Hear the action starting at 7 pm on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.