Jackson Schulte hit back-to-back fourth quarter threes and the Monarchs made just enough free throws down the stretch as TMP-Marian held off the Railroaders 54-53 Monday in Ellis in the quarter finals of the MCL tournament.

Bill Meagher postgame interview

TMP opened the game on a 7-2 run and built a seven-point lead after back-to-back field goals from Jared Mayers. Mayers recorded his second straight double-figure game with 15 points.

The Monarchs largest lead of the game came at nine, twice in the second quarter, the final time at 26-17. TMP lead by five, 28-23 at halftime.

With just under four minutes to play in the third quarter the Monarchs had built a 34-29 lead after a pair of Ryan Karlin free throws.

But Ellis outscored TMP 10-4 over the final 3:45 of the third quarter to take their first lead of the game at 39-38.

Two minutes into the fourth quarter the Railers took a 44-41 lead on a Brady Frickey three pointer but TMP’s Jackson Schulte hit back-to-back threes to give the Monarchs a three-point lead at 47-44.

It was a lead the Monarchs were never relinquish on their way to the 54-53 win. Ellis made it close with a potential game-winner by the Railers Brady Frickey missing a jump shot as time expired that would have gave Ellis the win.

TMP had two finish in double-figures led by Jackson Schulte’s 16, a new career-high for him. Mayers added 15.

Ellis had three players finish in double-figures with Brady Frickey scoring a game-high 19.

TMP improves to 7-4 with the win and will take on Hill City on Friday in the MCL tournament semifinals after they defeated Oakley 48-33 Monday.

Ellis drops to 5-3 on the season.

Game highlights

In the other quarterfinal games Monday Phillipsburg beat Norton 53-38 and Plainville beat Trego 51-36.