DUBUQUE -- After a scorching start, Jefferson needed free throws late in the fourth to hold off Dubuque Wahlert, 64-56, Tuesday night in a Mississippi Valley Conference boys basketball game.

With the win, the No. 6 J-Hawks keep pace with No. 3 Cedar Falls for the top seed in Substate No. 3 with two games remaining in the all important games 5-15. Jefferson’s record improves to 11-2, 7-2 in the MVC. With the loss Wahlert drops to 9-4 and 6-3 in the MVC.

The game featured two of the MVC’s best shooters in Jarrod Uthoff for the J-Hawks and Aaron Schueller from Wahlert. Those in attendance didn’t have to wait long to see each showcase their talent. In the opening half Uthoff shot 9-of-12 from the field, totaling 18 points. Schueller on the other hand was 7-of-10 with four 3-pointers for 18.

Wahlert scored off the jump ball to start the game. Jefferson responded with 19 unanswered points.

The Golden Eagles battled back behind the hot hand of Schuller who came into the game averaging 15.6 ppg.

Jefferson was sparked by Taylor Olson, who dished out seven assists to open teammates throughout the lane and underneath the basket. At the half Jefferson held a 34-20 lead.

When asked about the start, Olson said, “I was able to find the open hole. With the attention they gave to Uthoff, it gave other players the opportunity to find the openings. I know we needed to seal every position so I had to rebound down because their whole team was crashing in.”

Both teams came out in the second with their defenses keyed on the game’s two leading scorers. Both Uthoff and Schueller struggled to score to begin the third.

Uthoff did not score until the last minute of the fourth quarter when he made 5-of-6 free throws. He finished the game with 23 points, eight rebounds, and eight blocks.

“We got off to a really good start then Wahlert stepped it up and Schueller played out of his mind," Jefferson Coach Stu Ordman said. "We were able to rally again. I was disappointed with the way we came out in the second half, but the guys showed resiliency making plays down the stretch.”

The game got as close as two points in the final minutes, but the J-Hawks were able to hit their free throws. Schueller fouled out with 56.7 seconds remaining and his team trailing by 3. Schueller had a game high of 25.

While Uthoff struggled, others picked up the points. Tyler Meiborg continued to work outside-in, connecting twice from outside and once off the dribble. Alec Saunders played solid, scoring three times underneath the basket.

“Jarrod carried us in the first half and was a presence on defense throughout the game. Taylor Olson played great down the stretch with one great rebound after another and solid ball control. Ky Kramer and Ty Meiborg both played great defense in the second half, limiting Schueller’s looks”, said Ordman.

Olson controlled the game finishing with nine assists for the second straight game. He also made some nifty moves to basket getting all the way to the rim. Where Olson really flourished in the second half was his rebounding, finishing the game with seven defensive boards.

Jefferson has a rematch with Washington Friday night at Jefferson. The Warriors beat the J-Hawks last month at Washington.

“We need to play more aggressive, but take care of the ball at the same time," Olson said. "I’m excited to get back and play Wash.”

The Warriors gave the J-Hawks their first loss on the year. The boys will be the second game in the boy-girl doubleheader. The game is the second annual Coaches vs. Cancer Classic.

JEFFERSON: Olson 3 0-1 7, Brown 1 0-0 2, Kramer 3 6-8 12, Saunders 3 4-4 10, Uthoff 9 5-6 23, Meiborg 3 0-1 8, Denny 1 0-0 2. Totals 23 15-20 64.

DUBUQUE WAHLERT: McCarron 3 0-0 9, Sisler 4 3-3 11, Schueller 8 4-5 25, May 0 2-2 2, Moore 2 0-0 5, Francis 1 0-0 2, Ernst 1 0-1 2. Totals 19 9-11 56.

Halftime—Jefferson 34. Dubuque Wahlert 20. 3-point goals—Dub. Wahlert 9 (Schueller 5, McCarron 3 Moore 1)  Jefferson 3 (Meiborg 2, Olson 1),