Four players scored in double figures and a 15-0 spurt in the first quarter propelled Monticello past Pontiac 67-43 Tuesday night in Illini Prairie Conference boys basketball action at the Sievers Center in Monticello.

The Sages fell behind 5-0 early after Pontiac senior Riley Johnson hit a three and then a turnover in the backcourt after the made basket led to a score after Pontiac missed close to the rim after the quick turnover on the inbound pass. 

Tyler Blythe, Gatsby Grant, and Ike Young sparked the 15-0 run for Monticello and helped the Sages to a much-needed win on Tuesday.

Monticello had lost four of five coming into play Tuesday and had been struggling offensively.

Grant led all scorers with 13 points. Young, Blythe, and Nolan Buehnerkemper each had 11 points. 

Off a career-best 19 points Saturday in Williamsville at the Illini Prairie/Sangamo Conference shootout against PORTA-AC Central, Matthias Rudolph added nine points off the bench. 

The Sages shot 58.7 percent from the floor. They had 40 of 67 points in the paint and dished out 19 assists on its 27 field goals.

They turned 15 Pontiac turnovers into 20 points and had 18 points in transition. 

Monticello controlled the glass 30-21. 

Buehnerkemper returned to the lineup after missing Saturday's game in Williamsville for personal reasons and was the ServPro of Piatt/DeWitt Counties Player of the Game. 

Pontiac drops to 9-17 overall and 3-4 in the Illini Prairie Conference.

The Sages improve to 13-12 overall and 3-4 in the Illini Prairie Conference. They travel into Champaign on Friday night to take on St. Thomas More in more league action. Tip-off is 7 pm. Hear the action on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.