STOUGHTON - The last time both Monroe and Stoughton met, the two teams went wire-to-wire and it took an extra period to determine the outcome of the game, where Stoughton was able to pull away with the win.
Their latest matchup was just as exciting, as the Cheesemakers and Vikings battled back and forth throughout a closely fought Badger South game. Although the Cheesemakers entered the final quarter with a four-point lead, Stoughton was able to connect on all four of their 3-point field goals to give them the edge once more, winning 48-41.
Monroe's defense had the tough task of guarding Stoughton's 6-foot-7 Nick McGlynn, who got off to a hot start in the first half against the Cheesemakers to give the Vikings the early lead.
In the second half, Monroe was able to hold McGlynn in check as they pulled ahead with a four-point lead at the end of the third. But Stoughton was able to find other ways of scoring the basketball, and retook the lead as they were able to connect from the free throw line and from distance.
"We wanted to make it tough on them (Stoughton) to get shots inside," Cheesemakers coach Pat Murphy said. "But they were able to kick it out and hit on some open opportunities."
For Murphy and his team, the success of their season is often determined by how well they perform in the final period.
"We make it a point to win the fourth (quarter), and in order to be the best we have to beat the best in that area," Murphy said.
"Stoughton is a tough place to play, and as tonight shows, we didn't capitalize in the fourth."
With 13 points, Charlie Kind was the only player in double figures for Monroe (6-8, 2-5) who travel to DeForest on Saturday, Jan. 25 to take on Portage at noon in the Badger Challenge.
Their latest matchup was just as exciting, as the Cheesemakers and Vikings battled back and forth throughout a closely fought Badger South game. Although the Cheesemakers entered the final quarter with a four-point lead, Stoughton was able to connect on all four of their 3-point field goals to give them the edge once more, winning 48-41.
Monroe's defense had the tough task of guarding Stoughton's 6-foot-7 Nick McGlynn, who got off to a hot start in the first half against the Cheesemakers to give the Vikings the early lead.
In the second half, Monroe was able to hold McGlynn in check as they pulled ahead with a four-point lead at the end of the third. But Stoughton was able to find other ways of scoring the basketball, and retook the lead as they were able to connect from the free throw line and from distance.
"We wanted to make it tough on them (Stoughton) to get shots inside," Cheesemakers coach Pat Murphy said. "But they were able to kick it out and hit on some open opportunities."
For Murphy and his team, the success of their season is often determined by how well they perform in the final period.
"We make it a point to win the fourth (quarter), and in order to be the best we have to beat the best in that area," Murphy said.
"Stoughton is a tough place to play, and as tonight shows, we didn't capitalize in the fourth."
With 13 points, Charlie Kind was the only player in double figures for Monroe (6-8, 2-5) who travel to DeForest on Saturday, Jan. 25 to take on Portage at noon in the Badger Challenge.
