PORTAGE - The Monroe boys basketball team continued to overcome adversity in the early part of their season as the Cheesemakers picked up a 41-38 win.

The Cheesemakers were without senior guard Ben Murray due to a death in the family.

"It's been a tough few days," said Monroe coach Pat Murphy. "It was a long bus ride, thinking about Ben and his family. It was a physical game. We're fortunate to get out of there with a win. Last year, we had a hard time winning close games and winning on the road, and we were able to do both tonight."

Monroe (4-0) was led in scoring by senior guard Alex Barenklau who had 14 points. However, Monroe's struggles at the free throw line continued, as the Cheesemakers made just 3 of 12.

Murphy said he was pleased with his team's defensive effort, and praised the effort of the team's defensive leader, Trent Wyssbrod.

"Trent guarded their best player and held him to six points," Murphy said. "He's had to guard the opponent's best player in every game this year."

Portage is in Monroe's sectional, which gave the game added significance, Murphy said.

"It was a Badger Conference cross-over game. They're in our sectional, and head-to-head meetings are very important for sectional seeding," he said.

The Cheesemakers will kick off conference play at home Saturday against Oregon.