OREGON - Monroe boys basketball coach Pat Murphy didn't have to use any motivational speeches about what happened last season against Oregon.
Last year, the Panthers split with Monroe and beat the Cheesemakers in Oregon. Fast forward a year: The Cheesemakers made the plays in the clutch on Saturday to knock off the Panthers 37-32 in a defensive battle.
"I'm sure Oregon came in feeling pretty good about themselves after winning one at Edgewood," Murphy said. "Our guys wanted to make a statement that we will be contenders throughout the year."
The Cheesemakers (3-0, 1-0 Badger South) scored six consecutive points to seize control of the game in the fourth quarter. The Cheesemakers outscored the Panthers 11-7 in the fourth quarter. Monroe was 7 of 14 at the free throw line in the fourth quarter and finished 12 of 20 in the game.
"You just know that every game on the road is going to be tough," Murphy said. "We definitely showed some resiliency and toughness. The one thing we talked about and it's one of our nine goals , is we wanted to win the fourth quarter."
The Cheesemakers' defense and free throw shooting were two differences down the stretch.
"It's something we need to work on to get better at," Murphy said of the free-throw shooting.
Monroe junior Alex Barenklau scored nine points to lead the Cheesemakers. Seniors Austin Burandt and Tyler Barta as well as junior Brian Schneider each scored six points.
Monroe hosts Fort Atkinson (4-0) on Friday.
"Every time we step on the floor there is something to play for," Murphy said.
Last year, the Panthers split with Monroe and beat the Cheesemakers in Oregon. Fast forward a year: The Cheesemakers made the plays in the clutch on Saturday to knock off the Panthers 37-32 in a defensive battle.
"I'm sure Oregon came in feeling pretty good about themselves after winning one at Edgewood," Murphy said. "Our guys wanted to make a statement that we will be contenders throughout the year."
The Cheesemakers (3-0, 1-0 Badger South) scored six consecutive points to seize control of the game in the fourth quarter. The Cheesemakers outscored the Panthers 11-7 in the fourth quarter. Monroe was 7 of 14 at the free throw line in the fourth quarter and finished 12 of 20 in the game.
"You just know that every game on the road is going to be tough," Murphy said. "We definitely showed some resiliency and toughness. The one thing we talked about and it's one of our nine goals , is we wanted to win the fourth quarter."
The Cheesemakers' defense and free throw shooting were two differences down the stretch.
"It's something we need to work on to get better at," Murphy said of the free-throw shooting.
Monroe junior Alex Barenklau scored nine points to lead the Cheesemakers. Seniors Austin Burandt and Tyler Barta as well as junior Brian Schneider each scored six points.
Monroe hosts Fort Atkinson (4-0) on Friday.
"Every time we step on the floor there is something to play for," Murphy said.
