In a game heard on WHOW, WEZC, and online at dewittdailynews.com, Monticello was able to hold off a late rally from Clinton and escape with a 57-46 win Tuesday night in non-conference high school boy's basketball from Clinton High School.

The Maroons rallied twice, using a 12-1 run in the second quarter to tie the score, and then led for a portion of the frame.

Monticello went to the half with a 23-20 lead. 

The Sages used a 16-7 second quarter to jump back in front and led 39-27 - its biggest lead of the night - after three quarters.

But again, the Maroons rallied in the fourth quarter getting the score within four at one juncture but the Sages made enough plays and free throws late to seal the win.

Keaton Graves scored nine of his team-best 15 points in the second half, including eight points in the fourth quarter to help fuel the Maroons' second comeback. Colton Walker survived the second half playing with four fouls and finished with 12 points.

Dalton Bell added nine for Clinton.

Ike Young helped Monticello close out the win with solid free throw shooting and staying strong with the basketball late to finish with 15 points. Gatsby Grant added ten for Monticello. 

Maddux Quick and Carter Foran added eight points apiece for the Sages.

Young and Graves' efforts in the fourth quarter earned them the ServPro of Piatt/DeWitt Counties players of the game. 

Turnovers hampered Monticello in the second and fourth quarters. The Maroons turned up the defensive pressure and the Sages did not respond well. 

Clinton falls to 12-8 overall. Monticello goes to 9-7.

Clinton travels to Shelbyville Friday night to open Central Illinois Conference action.

Monticello hosts Bloomington Central Catholic in Illini Prairie Conference action. Hear the game at 7 pm on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.