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The rubber match between Middleton and Madison Memorial in a WIAA Division 1 sectional final was one of the top games to remember from the 2019-20 season. 

The two teams split regular season meetings and the much anticipated third meeting filled up Monona Grove High School's stands and many fans were left with standing room only. 

It wasn't just the top two teams in their sectional, it was No. 1 Middleton vs. No. 2 Madison Memorial in the matchup. 

Madison Memorial held a 13-point halftime lead before Middleton stormed back in the second half to earn the 61-58 win and advance to the Division 1 state tournament. 

After trailing 37-24 at the break, Middleton opened the second half on a 20-3 run to take a 44-40 lead. 

Madison Memorial tied the game at 53 when senior Leilani Kapinus connected on three-pointer with 1:37 left.

Middleton answered with a 6-0 run, all on foul shots, to take a 59-53 lead with 27.8 seconds to play and held on for the victory. 

Middleton senior forward Karina Bursac finished with a team-high 17 points and tallied 12 rebounds, and senior wing Kendall Roquet, a UW-Whitewater commit, added 16 points. 

Senior forward Sitori Tanin, a Loyola University Chicago signee, contributed 10 points, and led the Cardinals with 13 rebounds and three steals. 

WBCA Hall of Fame coach Jeff Kind and the Cardinals also got 10 points from senior guard Evie Coleman. 

Kapinus scored a game-high 21 points for Madison Memorial. The Penn State signee added five rebounds, eight steals, two assists and two blocks. 

Senior guard Emmoni Rankins finished with 10 points, four rebounds and three steals for coach Marques Flowers and the Spartans.

Madison Memorial finished the year with a 24-2 record. Both of the Spartans' losses were against Middleton. 

Middleton ended the year with a 25-1 record, winners of its last 20 games. The Cardinals' lone loss was against Madison Memorial on December 13. 

Middleon was the top-seed and scheduled to play Oconomowoc in a Division 1 state semifinal before the tournament was canceled. 

The Cardinals had made 11 previous trips to state and this could have been their chance to finally take home the Gold Ball. 

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