Sauk Prairie’s boys rally past Milton

They were down, but never out. They were weary, but never KO’d. Sauk Prairie’s boys basketball team rallied from a seven-point second half deficit — including a four-point hole in the final two minutes — and edged Milton, 70-67, in double overtime at the Badger Challenge held at Monona Grove High School last Saturday. The Eagles improved to 9-7 overall and are 3-4 in the Badger Small Conference. Milton fell to 8-7 overall. “It’s always unfortunate that one team has to lose in a game that goes to double overtime,” Eagles’ coach Sean McGann said. “We have certainly been in games like that where we have lost in the past, and those are really tough ones to get over. Milton is an awesome team, so this was a great win for us.” Jake Buckles and Otis Andres both had 16 points to lead Sauk Prairie. Buckles added nine rebounds, while Andres had four assists and three rebounds. Nick Keyser had 13 points, 15 rebounds and five assists, while Boden Breunig had 14 points and three rebounds. “Jake Buckles had a breakout game and carried us in the first half,” McGann said. “I love coaching that kid. He gives everything he has. He’s in the gym every single morning working on his game. He deserves this type of performance.  “Nic Keyser, Otis Andres, and Boden Breunig also provided offense for us throughout the game. Trent Backeberg (eight rebounds) had one of his best games of the season. He was disruptive on defense, and controlled the glass all night.”  There were several moments when Milton looked ready to run away and hide. The Eagles refused to let that happen, though, and rallied back for a thrilling win. “I’m really proud of our guys because we had every opportunity to give up and cave and we didn’t,” McGann said. “We found a way to make enough plays.  “We made it harder on ourselves than we needed with missed free throws down the stretch, but it’s so good for us to be in those types of games to learn what pressure feels like. We will learn from this game and keep trying to grow.” • On deck: The Eagles host Reedsburg Thursday at 7:15 p.m., then are at McFarland on Feb. 5 at 7:15 p.m.