MONONA GROVE - Two days removed from a tough loss to Milton, the Monroe boys basketball team survived a scare Saturday and hung on to beat Monona Grove, 55-51.
Monroe (11-6, 8-2 Badger South) jumped out to a 14-9 lead. The Silver Eagles (3-14, 2-8) outscored Monroe 12-9 in the second quarter to cut the Cheesemakers' halftime lead to 23-21.
The Cheesemakers were clinging to a 35-34 lead entering the fourth quarter, then outscored the Silver Eagles 20-17.
"I thought we ran our offense a little bit better," Monroe coach Pat Murphy said. "Our offense was under control. Over the years, Monona Grove has not been an easy place to play."
Monroe had three players in double figures, led by junior Bryan Tordoff's team-high 19 points. Senior Mitch Tordoff scored 13 points and senior Mitch McArdle added 11. The Cheesemakers made 18 of 28 free throws to help seal the win.
"I think that was a key," Murphy said. "Any time you get three guys in double figures, it will equal success."
Monroe remains in a tie with Madison Edgewood (12-4, 8-2) atop the Badger South with two conference games remaining - Tuesday at Fort Atkinson and a home game Feb. 20 against Monona Grove. Edgewood has a tougher road to win or share a Badger South title. The Crusaders play at Stoughton Feb. 21 and host Milton Feb. 23.
"Every team wants to be fighting for a championship the last week of the season," Murphy said. "That is where we are at."
Monroe (11-6, 8-2 Badger South) jumped out to a 14-9 lead. The Silver Eagles (3-14, 2-8) outscored Monroe 12-9 in the second quarter to cut the Cheesemakers' halftime lead to 23-21.
The Cheesemakers were clinging to a 35-34 lead entering the fourth quarter, then outscored the Silver Eagles 20-17.
"I thought we ran our offense a little bit better," Monroe coach Pat Murphy said. "Our offense was under control. Over the years, Monona Grove has not been an easy place to play."
Monroe had three players in double figures, led by junior Bryan Tordoff's team-high 19 points. Senior Mitch Tordoff scored 13 points and senior Mitch McArdle added 11. The Cheesemakers made 18 of 28 free throws to help seal the win.
"I think that was a key," Murphy said. "Any time you get three guys in double figures, it will equal success."
Monroe remains in a tie with Madison Edgewood (12-4, 8-2) atop the Badger South with two conference games remaining - Tuesday at Fort Atkinson and a home game Feb. 20 against Monona Grove. Edgewood has a tougher road to win or share a Badger South title. The Crusaders play at Stoughton Feb. 21 and host Milton Feb. 23.
"Every team wants to be fighting for a championship the last week of the season," Murphy said. "That is where we are at."
