NORTON – The TMP-Marian Monarchs came up short on the road against the Norton Bluejays Monday in the quarterfinals of the Mid-Continent League tournament, falling 48-40.
TMP (3-6, 2-1 MCL) matched a season-high seven three-pointers, four of which came in the first quarter, and they only trailed by one at 13-12 at the end of the first quarter.
Norton (7-3, 4-0 MCL) extended the lead to eight, at 21-13, midway through the second quarter, but TMP sophomore Jacob Seib scored six straight points to pull them within two.
TMP trailed 23-19 at the halftime break.
Seib scored in double figures for the third straight game and finished with 12 points.
The Bluejays scored five quick points to build a nine-point lead midway through the third quarter.
TMP again answered and trimmed the Norton lead at 28-24.
It seemed as though Norton had an answer every time TMP made a run.
With Norton leading by eight again, Carson Liles banked in a three at the end of the third quarter, pulling TMP within five at 35-30.
Norton expanded their lead to seven in the fourth quarter at 39-32, only to see the Monarchs close within two at 41-39.
However, the Monarchs could not get any closer in the final minutes.
Norton closed the game by outscoring the Monarchs 7-1, with the Bluejays securing a 48-40 victory.
TMP will take Phillipsburg Thursday in the consolation semifinals at approximately 6:15 p.m. at Al Billingerfield House.