SAUK PRAIRIE - In their second come-from-behind victory of the season, the Cheesemakers won a 47-39 heart-stopper over Sauk Prairie by making good when time stood still.
Sophomores Gwen Sutter and Jamie Armstrong hit nine of their 10 free throw tries in the fourth quarter as Monroe (7-2 overall) overcame a six-point deficit after a quarter and a 34-30 deficit entering the final frame.
Armstrong's 15 points were a team-high, while Sutter added 11, but the 17-5 final quarter was as much about shutdown defense as offensive savvy.
Emily Rufenacht, who also had nine points and hit two 3s, led an inspired defensive effort against Eagles (6-3 overall) guard Amber Fiene (17 points) and Kelsey Budd (13). While the senior Budd racked up her game-high tally, Budd was taken out of the equation after doing all her damage in the first half.
"We talked about shutting her down in the second half and the girls did a great job," Keen said. "Both of their guards are a handful and attack the basket."
Monroe coach Kevin Keen threw a zone at the Eagles in the final quarter and was elated to see his team get its second comeback win after rallying past Oregon 41-38, also on the road.
"It's tough enough to win on the road, but it's even tougher to come from behind," Keen said. "You don't want to play from behind like we had to, but it's nice to know we can win coming from behind."
The Badger crossover victory should provide some momentum going into Friday's rematch at Madison Edgewood. After the Crusaders were ice cold in a 62-41 loss at Monroe, they'll be gunning for their conference rival.
"They'll be out to avenge that loss; we'll have our hands full," Keen said.
Sophomores Gwen Sutter and Jamie Armstrong hit nine of their 10 free throw tries in the fourth quarter as Monroe (7-2 overall) overcame a six-point deficit after a quarter and a 34-30 deficit entering the final frame.
Armstrong's 15 points were a team-high, while Sutter added 11, but the 17-5 final quarter was as much about shutdown defense as offensive savvy.
Emily Rufenacht, who also had nine points and hit two 3s, led an inspired defensive effort against Eagles (6-3 overall) guard Amber Fiene (17 points) and Kelsey Budd (13). While the senior Budd racked up her game-high tally, Budd was taken out of the equation after doing all her damage in the first half.
"We talked about shutting her down in the second half and the girls did a great job," Keen said. "Both of their guards are a handful and attack the basket."
Monroe coach Kevin Keen threw a zone at the Eagles in the final quarter and was elated to see his team get its second comeback win after rallying past Oregon 41-38, also on the road.
"It's tough enough to win on the road, but it's even tougher to come from behind," Keen said. "You don't want to play from behind like we had to, but it's nice to know we can win coming from behind."
The Badger crossover victory should provide some momentum going into Friday's rematch at Madison Edgewood. After the Crusaders were ice cold in a 62-41 loss at Monroe, they'll be gunning for their conference rival.
"They'll be out to avenge that loss; we'll have our hands full," Keen said.
