After their success in the Classic, the Irish experience their first road bump between them and a state championship. Stillwater is a very inconsistent team, but they took advantage of a McGuinness team that only had two days off following three straight days of games. The Irish had their opportunities to win, but the Pioneers were just too much.

Hats off to Stillwater for not allowing McGuinness to ever take the lead. Stillwater found ways to get the ball in the hoop, and the Irish were simply having a bad night on the offensive end. The Irish tried making it a game, but the Pioneers pulled away every time McGuinness tried closing the gap. Stillwater was able to not allow any Irish player go off, but their may be a secret weapon for McGuinness.

Sophomore Miles Newcomb was a big spark on the offensive end. He knocked down two three’s in the first half, which helped Irish get back in position to try and rally. Newcomb has been a regular man off the bench for the Irish, but give the sophomore some time, and he might be able to get in a rhythm from beyond the arc.

Speaking of sophomores, Matt Christiansen made his first appearance since injuring his shoulder. Christiansen didn’t have an amazing game offensively, but he certainly was a huge help on defense. Matt wasn’t 100%, but still could shot block, and not allow easy shots in the paint. It would have been nice for Christiansen to get a win in his first game back, but every Irish player has to be on top of their game whether he is in action or not.

McGuinness’ loss will hopefully serve as motivation to get back at the Pioneers later on the season. As well as to not let anyone step in McCarthy Gymnasium, and control the pace of the game, like the Pioneers were able to. The Irish are back in action tomorrow against Northwest Classen, and the Irish don’t need allow the Knights to control the game. They need to go out there, and play like Coach Durham intends them to.