FORT ATKINSON - The Monroe boys basketball team was clutch in the second half shooting free throws and dialed up the pressure on defense to roll to a 67-48 win over Fort Atkinson on Saturday.
Monroe senior Alex Tordoff scored a game-high 16 points and knocked down three of the Cheesemakers' five 3-pointers.
Monroe (9-8, 4-4 Badger South) shot 46.1 percent on free throws in the first half en route to building a 29-20 lead over the Blackhawks. The Cheesemakers made 14 of 14 free throws in the second half and finished the game at 74 percent (20 of 27).
"Just being able to make our free throws in the second half was a big key," Monroe coach Brian Bassett said.
It's a big win that puts the Cheesemakers over .500.
"It's the first time we have been over .500 in February in three years," Bassett said. "I told the guys if we finish strong, we can help our seeding for the tournament."
Monroe senior Carter Sawdey added 14 points and was 8 of 8 at the free-throw line.
"Just having him being aggressive and going to the basket again is great," Bassett said.
Monroe junior Brayden Zettle, senior Tyler Elmer and senior Ross Oxenreider each chipped in six points. Oxenreider hit two 3-pointers.
"I think our guys are starting to understand how important it is to put pressure on the opponent's point guard and we can wear the other team down," Bassett said.
Monroe senior Alex Tordoff scored a game-high 16 points and knocked down three of the Cheesemakers' five 3-pointers.
Monroe (9-8, 4-4 Badger South) shot 46.1 percent on free throws in the first half en route to building a 29-20 lead over the Blackhawks. The Cheesemakers made 14 of 14 free throws in the second half and finished the game at 74 percent (20 of 27).
"Just being able to make our free throws in the second half was a big key," Monroe coach Brian Bassett said.
It's a big win that puts the Cheesemakers over .500.
"It's the first time we have been over .500 in February in three years," Bassett said. "I told the guys if we finish strong, we can help our seeding for the tournament."
Monroe senior Carter Sawdey added 14 points and was 8 of 8 at the free-throw line.
"Just having him being aggressive and going to the basket again is great," Bassett said.
Monroe junior Brayden Zettle, senior Tyler Elmer and senior Ross Oxenreider each chipped in six points. Oxenreider hit two 3-pointers.
"I think our guys are starting to understand how important it is to put pressure on the opponent's point guard and we can wear the other team down," Bassett said.
