In a game heard on WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com, Clinton built a 22-11 lead early in the second quarter and held off a Monticello comeback to win 49-45 in non-conference high school boys basketball action from the Sievers Center in Monticello on Tuesday night.

Each team experienced its own struggles.

For Monticello, it was misses in close to the basket. The Sages shot 32.7 percent from the floor. The Sages continue to struggle from distance, finishing 4-of-18 from three. 

For the Maroons, while shooting 33-percent from the floor, Clinton was just 9-of-17 from the foul line.

Three players scored in double figures for Clinton. Keaton Graves led all scorers with 14 points. Jaeden Bell and Jaxon Reynolds each had 13 points.

The Sages held a 38-36 edge on the glass. Monticello had 14 assists on its 18 field goals and committed just five turnovers.

Monticello was led by Mattias Rudolph's 11 points. On senior night, Nolan Buehnerkemper just missed out on a double-double with nine points, eight rebounds, and five assists. The senior earned the State Bank of Bement player of the game. 

Clinton improves to 22-8 overall and finishes the regular season on Friday night at Argenta-Oreana.

Monticello goes to 14-13 overall and visits Bismark-Hennning on Friday night to close out the regular season. 

Both teams will host a Regional semifinal game next Monday.