In a game broadcast on WEZC and streamed online at dewittdailynews.com, Monticello came up short against state-ranked Tolono Unity, falling 69–53 in Illini Prairie Conference boys basketball action Thursday night in Tolono.
The Rockets and Sages traded punches early, with the game staying tight through the first quarter and into the second. Monticello briefly grabbed a 23–22 lead early in the second quarter, but Unity responded in a big way. The Rockets closed the half on a 17–7 run, taking control and carrying momentum into the locker room.
Monticello continued to battle in the second half and managed to cut the deficit to four points during the third quarter, but Unity’s depth and balance proved too much down the stretch. The Rockets steadily rebuilt their lead and pulled away in the final quarter to secure the conference win.
Matthias Rudolph led all scorers with 21 points for Monticello, while Aiden McCool added 13 in the loss.
Unity placed four players in double figures, led by Tyler Henry’s 20 points. Brayden Henry and Dane Eisenmenger each scored 12, and Mason O’Neill chipped in 10 for the Rockets.
With the victory, Tolono Unity improves to 21–2 overall and remains unbeaten in Illini Prairie Conference play at 5–0. Monticello drops to 11–8 on the season and 2–3 in conference action, having lost five of its last six games.
The Sages will look to bounce back Saturday night when they host Decatur St. Teresa at the Sievers Center. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m., with coverage available on 95.9 FM WEZC and online at dewittdailynews.com.
Luke Murphy with the dime to Matthias Rudolph
Ayden McCool drills the 3 pointer