MADISON - "Just win, baby" could become Monroe boys' basketball coach Pat Murphy's slogan.
Murphy isn't scorned in coaching circles like the saying's creator, Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis. But the Cheesemakers have embraced the fiery phrase and are on the verge of winning their second state championship in three years.
There were several clutch plays in Monroe's 53-39 WIAA Division 2 state semifinal win over Appleton Xavier Friday at the Kohl Center. However, at the top of the list is Monroe senior Mitch Tordoff's state-record-breaking performance. Tordoff, who scored a game-high 28 points, made a Division 2 state record 15 free throws, breaking the previous record of 14 shared by Monroe alum Brett Stangel in 2007 and Thane Anderson of Black River Falls (1988).
"These guys just find a way," Murphy said. "I am actually surprised he missed one because he is money. Good players want the ball."
Monroe sophomore Bryan Tordoff scored 13 points off the bench, none bigger than his third 3-pointer that came after a kicked loose ball that tied the score at 39 with 4:17 to go.
"The momentum really swung when Bryan hit a 3 and I hit one," Mitch said. "I thought that really put a dagger in them. He (Bryan) was clutch today. He knocked down a lot of shots for us."
Bryan Tordoff is psyched about playing for a state title today.
"It's an honor to play for a state championship," Bryan said. "I just hope we go out and play our game and whatever happens, happens."
The Monroe defense that was a staple all season locked down in the fourth quarter, as the Cheesemakers outscored the Hawks, 21-2, and held them scoreless for almost six minutes. Monroe limited the Hawks to 34.7 percent shooting.
"When we get a four-point lead, I think teams think they are down eight or nine," Murphy said.
The Cheesemakers overcame a tough first quarter, which saw them shoot 4-for-13 and 0-for-6 from the 3-point line.
"He (Murphy) didn't talk about shooting," Bryan Tordoff said. "He knows that (shooting) comes and goes with confidence."
Xavier outrebounded Monroe, 18-15, in the first half, but the Hawks' seven first-half offensive rebounds led to six of their 10 second-chance points in the game. Despite being outrebounded, 35-27 and giving up 14 offensive rebounds, the Cheesemakers found a way to win.
"We walk a really fine line as far as rebounding," Murphy said. "Everyone has to rebound."
Monroe also overcame some foul trouble after Mitch Tordoff picked up his third foul at 5:48 in the second quarter and fourth penalty with 6:43 left in the game.
After picking up his third foul in the first half, Tordoff thought about how his game may change.
"When I got my fourth foul in the second half, I knew I had to be careful," Tordoff said.
Tordoff thought he may have picked up a devastating fifth foul in the fourth quarter after going up for a rebound. When the foul wasn't called, Tordoff had to take a deep breath.
"I thought you could get away with murder down low," he said.
Murphy knows keeping Tordoff on the floor and out of foul trouble will be vital in today's state title game against Wisconsin Lutheran.
"We have proved that we can win with Mitch and without him," Murphy said. "I like it a lot better when he doesn't have to worry about fouls."
Murphy isn't scorned in coaching circles like the saying's creator, Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis. But the Cheesemakers have embraced the fiery phrase and are on the verge of winning their second state championship in three years.
There were several clutch plays in Monroe's 53-39 WIAA Division 2 state semifinal win over Appleton Xavier Friday at the Kohl Center. However, at the top of the list is Monroe senior Mitch Tordoff's state-record-breaking performance. Tordoff, who scored a game-high 28 points, made a Division 2 state record 15 free throws, breaking the previous record of 14 shared by Monroe alum Brett Stangel in 2007 and Thane Anderson of Black River Falls (1988).
"These guys just find a way," Murphy said. "I am actually surprised he missed one because he is money. Good players want the ball."
Monroe sophomore Bryan Tordoff scored 13 points off the bench, none bigger than his third 3-pointer that came after a kicked loose ball that tied the score at 39 with 4:17 to go.
"The momentum really swung when Bryan hit a 3 and I hit one," Mitch said. "I thought that really put a dagger in them. He (Bryan) was clutch today. He knocked down a lot of shots for us."
Bryan Tordoff is psyched about playing for a state title today.
"It's an honor to play for a state championship," Bryan said. "I just hope we go out and play our game and whatever happens, happens."
The Monroe defense that was a staple all season locked down in the fourth quarter, as the Cheesemakers outscored the Hawks, 21-2, and held them scoreless for almost six minutes. Monroe limited the Hawks to 34.7 percent shooting.
"When we get a four-point lead, I think teams think they are down eight or nine," Murphy said.
The Cheesemakers overcame a tough first quarter, which saw them shoot 4-for-13 and 0-for-6 from the 3-point line.
"He (Murphy) didn't talk about shooting," Bryan Tordoff said. "He knows that (shooting) comes and goes with confidence."
Xavier outrebounded Monroe, 18-15, in the first half, but the Hawks' seven first-half offensive rebounds led to six of their 10 second-chance points in the game. Despite being outrebounded, 35-27 and giving up 14 offensive rebounds, the Cheesemakers found a way to win.
"We walk a really fine line as far as rebounding," Murphy said. "Everyone has to rebound."
Monroe also overcame some foul trouble after Mitch Tordoff picked up his third foul at 5:48 in the second quarter and fourth penalty with 6:43 left in the game.
After picking up his third foul in the first half, Tordoff thought about how his game may change.
"When I got my fourth foul in the second half, I knew I had to be careful," Tordoff said.
Tordoff thought he may have picked up a devastating fifth foul in the fourth quarter after going up for a rebound. When the foul wasn't called, Tordoff had to take a deep breath.
"I thought you could get away with murder down low," he said.
Murphy knows keeping Tordoff on the floor and out of foul trouble will be vital in today's state title game against Wisconsin Lutheran.
"We have proved that we can win with Mitch and without him," Murphy said. "I like it a lot better when he doesn't have to worry about fouls."
