OREGON - Free-throw disparity stifled the Monroe boys basketball team Friday in a 46-32 loss to Oregon.
The Pan-thers attempted 19 free throws to the Cheesemakers' zero as Monroe dropped to 9-12, 4-7 Badger South.
"In all my years of coaching, I've never seen anything like it," coach Pat Murphy said of the free throws.
Monroe committed 18 personal fouls to Oregon's six, something Murphy credited to Oregon's size down low. The Panthers were led by 6-foot-4 senior Markus Tobias, who scored a game-high 14 points, and junior forward Charlie Soddy, who chipped in 12 for Oregon.
"They pushed us under the basket into spots they obviously feel comfortable in. They're quick in the post," Murphy said. "We got some opportunities inside, we just didn't take our time.
"They're a little bigger, more experienced and they took their time. ... We always say fight for your feet, and that's what you have to do."
Oregon, celebrating its Senior Night, jumped out to an 11-3 lead in the first quarter and took a 20-9 lead into the half.
"Our guys didn't give up," Murphy said. "It was 36-19 going into the fourth quarter and (Oregon) didn't pull their starters. We just need to move forward with more confidence.
"We kept giving them extra possessions. I liked how we battled in the second half, but obviously we weren't doing enough in the officials' mind to warrant getting anything going to the basket."
Monroe was led by sophomores Carter Sawdey and Alex Tordoff, who both scored eight points.
Murphy said the number of Monroe fans who traveled to the game Friday in Oregon was encouraging as his team prepares to host Fort Atkinson for Senior Night on Thursday.
"We had a great student section. We appreciate the support they've given us all year, and it makes for a pretty fun environment," he said. "We'll work hard to get a 'W' on Thursday."
The Pan-thers attempted 19 free throws to the Cheesemakers' zero as Monroe dropped to 9-12, 4-7 Badger South.
"In all my years of coaching, I've never seen anything like it," coach Pat Murphy said of the free throws.
Monroe committed 18 personal fouls to Oregon's six, something Murphy credited to Oregon's size down low. The Panthers were led by 6-foot-4 senior Markus Tobias, who scored a game-high 14 points, and junior forward Charlie Soddy, who chipped in 12 for Oregon.
"They pushed us under the basket into spots they obviously feel comfortable in. They're quick in the post," Murphy said. "We got some opportunities inside, we just didn't take our time.
"They're a little bigger, more experienced and they took their time. ... We always say fight for your feet, and that's what you have to do."
Oregon, celebrating its Senior Night, jumped out to an 11-3 lead in the first quarter and took a 20-9 lead into the half.
"Our guys didn't give up," Murphy said. "It was 36-19 going into the fourth quarter and (Oregon) didn't pull their starters. We just need to move forward with more confidence.
"We kept giving them extra possessions. I liked how we battled in the second half, but obviously we weren't doing enough in the officials' mind to warrant getting anything going to the basket."
Monroe was led by sophomores Carter Sawdey and Alex Tordoff, who both scored eight points.
Murphy said the number of Monroe fans who traveled to the game Friday in Oregon was encouraging as his team prepares to host Fort Atkinson for Senior Night on Thursday.
"We had a great student section. We appreciate the support they've given us all year, and it makes for a pretty fun environment," he said. "We'll work hard to get a 'W' on Thursday."
