Middleton took sole possession of fourth place in the Big 8 by holding off Sun Prairie 62-60 on the home floor on Friday night. Across town, Madison East outlasted Madison La Follette 66-64 to remain undefeated. In both games, the losing team missed a potential game-winning three at the buzzer.
In Madison East's case, the Purgolders were able to win a back-and-forth game against their rivals, Madison La Follette, winning after Ben Probst's potential game-winning three drew front iron.
For Middleton, it was a matter of making plays when they needed, taking advantage of Sun Prairie turnovers and missed free throws to hold on in their victory. Rajai Williams had a potential game-winner hit the front of the rim as well for Sun Prairie as Middleton picked up a big win.
Middleton and Sun Prairie had it out in a physical, slow-paced game at Middleton High School on Friday night. The teams combined for nearly 60 fouls and traded leads for the entire game.
Sun Prairie's Dawson Hughes had a season-high 27 in the loss. Middleton's defense limited leading scorers Brock Voigt and Delaware Hale to a combined seven points, while also sparking big second-half plays by Sam Close and Jake Klubertanz as Middleton was able to hold on for a big win to take over fourth place in the Big 8.
Hear from Middleton coach Kevin Bavery below, as well as the entire game broadcast of Middleton-Sun Prairie on The Big 1070.
MIDDLETON: 25|37=62
SUN PRAIRIE: 29|31=60
Middleton Scoring: Jake Klubertanz 19, Sam Close 14, Chandon Thomas 10, Jack Boyle 8, Ben Scher 5, Henry Patterson 3, Cole Deptula 2.
Sun Prairie Scoring: Dawson Hughes 27, RAjai Williams 11, Anfernee Auston 8, Brock Voigt 5, Cooper Nelson 2, Brendan Wherley 2, Alex Voigt 2, Delaware Hale 2, Caden Fritz 1.