Tuesday night featured a double dose of Monroe County high school basketball action as Columbia hosted Waterloo while Valmeyer traveled to Gibault.

In what turned out to be a tight defensive battle, the Eagles outlasted the Bulldogs, 39-33, before a packed gym at Columbia High School to pick up their seventh straight victory.

The first half was evenly matched, as both teams clamped down on defense to keep scoring at a minimum. The score was 16-15 in favor of Columbia.

The Eagles took control in the third quarter, outscoring the ‘Dogs 11-4 to extend their lead heading into the fourth. A three-pointer by Waterloo’s Max Schrader with less than three minutes to play kept Waterloo close, and Ryan Aycock scored on the next possession to make it 33-29, but the ‘Dogs would get no closer.

“This game was a slugfest.  It was physical and hard fought,” Columbia coach Mark Sandstrom said following the win. “It proves to this team that we can win in a variety of different ways.”

Jonathan Holmes led the way with 11 points for the Eagles (12-3), followed by Ryan Gudeman and Jordan Holmes with eight points.

Schrader scored 10 points to lead Waterloo. Aycock scored nine points.

At Gibault, the Hawks outscored the Pirates 20-6 in the third quarter to break open what was a close game as Gibault defeated Valmeyer 50-30.

The Hawks shot 42 percent from the floor for the game.

Brian Deterding scored 17 points and pulled down eight rebounds to lead Gibault (10-6). Jacob Rueter turned in a strong all-around performance with 13 points, 10 steals and five assists.

Valmeyer (8-8) was led by Zach Williams, who scored 11 points in the loss.

Gibault plays at Metro East Lutheran on Wednesday night.