Monroe edges Edgewood in OT

Tuesday night Monroe took down Madison Edgewood in overtime after trailing for much of the game. I figured this game would be a three point shoot out and it pretty much was just that. The teams matched up well with neither team having a dominating big man and the majority of the time both teams were basically playing five guards.

Edgewood jumped out to an early 11-0 lead as they were knocking down the threes and Monroe wasn't. Monroe was able to claw back into and at the end of the first the score was 11-7. Throughout the majority of the game Edgewood was pressing Monroe which seemed to enable Monroe to be able to get back into the game as they were able to break the press and get some easy baskets. The game was close throughout and the half time score was Edgewood up 30-25. The second half went back and forth throughout with Edgewood maintaining the lead throughout the majority of the time but, never really could extend the lead. In the end Monroe was able to apply the pressure to Edgewood and force them into turnovers which allowed Monroe to tie the game up at 50 at the end of regulation. Edgewood freshmen 6'0 Spencer Brink had a chance to win the game with a free throw with 1.7 seconds left but, his shot came off too hard and the game went to OT. In overtime Monroe outscored Edgewood 6-2 with Edgewood's only basket coming on a last second tip in.

Edgewood and Monroe are both similar teams in that they play a very tough in your face defense and move the ball extremely well on the offensive end. Both teams seem to be looking for the three point shot over any other shot as it seems they both take more three point shots then two point shots. Both teams should make a strong run in the playoffs but, their lack of size will always be an issue which was seen the first time I saw both of these teams. Monroe lost to Menomonee Falls and Edgewood to Janesville Craig, both teams are pretty tall teams. They may lack size but, neither team lacks heart and their three point shooting may allow them to beat some teams that they shouldn't be beating.

Top Players
Patrick Lagman 5'10 senior Madison Edgewood- Three point sharp shooter that can get hot in an instant. Knocked down at least four three pointers and doesn't need a lot of room to do it.
Derek Braucht 6'6 senior Madison Edgewood- One of the few players on the court that can create his own shot. I would like to see him look to score more but, he does a great job of letting the game come to him and not forcing too much but, maybe he needs to force a little more.
Michael Eshun 5'10 junior Madison Edgewood- Knocked down some clutch three point shots and did a nice job of running the show for Edgewood.
Mitch Tordoff 6'0 senior Monroe- Big time scorer that can get his shot off at any time. May miss a few shots but, he'll keep taking them until they start falling.
Bryan Tordoff 6'0 sophomore Monroe- Very similar to brother Mitch, really stepped out when Mitch cooled off in the third.
Mitch McArdle 5'9 senior Monroe- Third guard in the starting lineup that can shoot the three well and is a very strong defender you locked down Braucht for much of the game.

Monroe 56
Madison Edgewood 52

Box Score (as always starters in bold and italics)
Monroe- M. Tordoff 26 B. Tordoff 11 McArdle 8 Jake Grinnell 8 Zach Rast 2 Michael Barrett 1 Cullen Sampson 0 Kevin Frint 0
Madison Edgewood- Lagman 18 Braucht 15 Eshun 9 Christiaan Wabers 6 Scott Hird 2 Brink 2 Mario Minnaert 0 Bruin Armwald 0 Connor Balczewski 0

Like I said I wouldn't be surprised to see either team make a deep run in the playoffs with their discipline, ball movement, and three point shooting but, height will always be an issue. Hopefully will take in a few more games this weekend if the weather holds out and games aren't cancelled. Will just have to see.