Monticello erased a nine-point second-half deficit and got a clutch bucket in the final minute to edge Mattoon 67–66 in a thrilling non-conference matchup Tuesday night at the Sievers Center.
Heard live on WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com, the game featured constant momentum swings, with 18 lead changes and seven ties between the Sages and the Green Wave.
Mattoon appeared to seize control late in the third quarter, closing the period on a 10–0 run to take a 55–46 advantage. The Sages, however, methodically worked their way back. With the score 66–63, Matthias Rudolph knocked down two free throws to pull Monticello within one. On the ensuing possession, Nolan Buehnerkemper found space at the elbow and calmly buried a jumper with under a minute remaining, giving Monticello its first lead since the third quarter and ultimately the game.
Monticello shot efficiently, finishing 50 percent from the field and 8-of-18 from three-point range. The Sages also controlled the glass, outrebounding Mattoon 35–25.
Rudolph led the way with a double-double, scoring 21 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Aiden McCool added 17 points, while Gus Reppert chipped in 13, including nine in the opening quarter.
Mattoon was strong from long range, hitting 15 three-pointers on 35 attempts. Max Wetzel led the Green Wave with six triples and 18 points. Lincoln Hayes followed with 17, and Chandler Rice added 14.
With the loss, Mattoon falls to 10–8 on the season. Monticello improves to 10–3 and will open Illini Prairie Conference play Thursday night at Rantoul. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m., with coverage on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.
Servpro Highlight of the Game.