The game of the year might have already happened in the Badger South Conference.
Monroe's Cade Meyer scored 34 points and came up with a number of big defensive plays to help the Cheesemakers get past previously undefeated and fourth-ranked Stoughton 79-76 in triple overtime on Friday night.
Both teams went back and forth throughout the night, with neither team leading by more than seven points (an opening 7-0 run by Stoughton that was quickly matched by Monroe a few minutes in) in the entire game. In the first half, both teams also struggled with turnovers and missed shots, culminating in a 28-26 halftime lead for Monroe.
In the second half, the stars began to shine. Cael McGee and Adam Hobson each scored 10 of their points in the second half, keeping the Vikings even with Monroe's Meyer, who put up 16 of his game-high 34 points in the second half alone.
Stoughton got the first chance at a buzzer beater, but a contested three from the wing by Hobson missed, sending the game to its first overtime. Stoughton again had the last shot, but a step-back three went wide,
In the second overtime, neither team could gain much ground, trading free throws before a halfcourt heave by Monroe came up short.
The third overtime proved to be the difference-maker, with Meyer hitting a three to get the scoring started, then adding a pair of free throws to help keep Monroe up by two possessions for much of the frame. However, missed Cheesemakers free throws allowed Stoughton one final chance to send the game to a fourth overtime, and it almost happened, with Hobson taking a deflected pass in the right corner, turning, and launching a desperation three falling out of bounds that actually caught the rim, went around, and then off to end the game.
Hobson led Stoughton with 29 points, with 10 points coming in the three overtimes and 22 points coming after halftime.
Monroe will face Oregon on Tuesday night, while take the court next Friday against the other co-leader in the Badger South (along with Monroe), Watertown.