The Monticello Sages opened the game with a blistering start from beyond the three-point line and gradually pulled away from Decatur St. Teresa in a 68-48 win Saturday night in non-conference high school boy's basketball action from the Sivers Center at Monticello High School.

In a game heard on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com, the two sides traded a pair of three-pointers and Dylan Ginalick's corner three that tied the game at 6-6 started an 11-0 run in the next 2:05. 

Ater Camdyn Wilkins got St. T within 18-10 at the 1:52 mark of the first quarter, it was all Monticello the rest of the way. 

The Sages made 6-of-10 first-half three-pointers and used nine Bulldogs' first-half turnovers into 13 points and had six offensive rebounds for ten second-chance points.

The Bulldogs shot the ball well as a team, going for 46-percent from the floor and 6-for-15 from beyond the arc but the Sages shot 60-percent from the game, including going 14-for-20 in the second half and had 32 of its 58 points come in the paint.

Ben Cresap helped Monticello open its 34-19 halftime lead to as many as 26 late in the third quarter when he finished off a dominant quarter with a nifty step-back shot fake and an explosive finish for a layup. Cresap scored six of his 14 points in the third quarter.

Cresap and Ginalick paced Monticello with 14 points apiece. Ginalick's 14 points, four assists, and four rebounds earned him the ServPro of Piatt/DeWitt County Player of the Game. 

Cresap added four boards and four assists to his 14 points.

The Sages had 13 assists to just eight turnovers and finished with 19 points off 15 Bulldogs turnovers as well as 14 points on nine offensive rebounds.

Monticello senior Joey Sprinkle continued his dominance on the glass with eight points and six rebounds.

Trevor Fox added eight points for Monticello, all in the first half. Tanner Buehnerkemper scored seven.

Wilkins led the Bulldogs with game-highs of 15 points and eight rebounds as St. T dropped to 15-8 overall.

Monticello has won six straight moving to 26-3 overall and will wrap up its regular season Tuesday night hosting rival Tolono Unity. The Sages can win the Illini Prairie Conference title outright with a win at the Sievers Center.

Game time Tuesday is 7 pm and can be heard on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.