Columbia rose to the challenge on Monday night, putting together a strong defensive effort and balanced scoring to end Marquette’s quest for a fourth straight Freeburg-Columbia Holiday Tournament championship. With the win, the Eagles advanced to the title game to be played at 8 p.m. on Tuesday night against Piasa Southwestern at Freeburg High School.

Ryan Gudeman and Jonathan Holmes each scored 19 points for the Eagles in the 65-57 win over the Explorers. Drew Huebner added 13 points and 11 rebounds. Korbin Farmer scored 10 points and blocked three shots.

“I thought our defense was outstanding all night,” Columbia head coach Mark Sandstrom told the Republic-Times following the game. “We knew their tendencies and the kids, every possession, made it really, really tough on them.”

Sandstrom said Gudeman played “super” in the win, with he and Jonny Holmes controlling the outside. Huebner came up big on the boards, the coach added, and the Eagles made just enough free throws at the end to withstand a late Marquette charge.

“It’s a big team win for us and we’re ready for tomorrow night,” Sandstrom said.

Waterloo wins again

The Bulldogs will be playing for fifth place Tuesday night following a 43-27 win over Mississippi Valley Conference foe Triad in the Freeburg tourney on Monday night.

Waterloo applied tight defense throughout the game, holding the Knights to just eight field goals for the entire contest in a 43-27 win.

Sophomore Ben Huels continued his strong tourney play, scoring 11 points including a trio of three pointers.

Senior leader Rick Wiegand also scored 11 points for the ‘Dogs, who led 21-15 at the half and continued to stretch the lead in the third and fourth quarters.

Waterloo will face Sparta on Tuesday at 5 p.m.

In other action from Monday in Freeburg, Valmeyer defeated Dupo by the score of 53-38.

For a recap of weekend action at the Freeburg tourney, click here.

For photos from throughout the basketball tournament, visit out Media Store by clicking here.