Piedmont was hoping to upset the Irish on Thursday. However, Matt Christiansen wasn’t going to allow that to happen. The Irish made quick work of Piedmont, and got the 53-35 victory.

The Irish fans were treated with the Kevin Caruthers and Matt Christiansen show in the first quarter. Both combined for fourteen points, and didn’t allow much breathing for Piedmont. Caruthers was scorching the net, and yet again, it was entertaining to see how McGuinness set up the play.

McGuinness was aggressive to the rim, and were smart with the ball. Christiansen finished with 17 points, and mainly because of his ability to go up for the offensive rebounds and being relief to Jameel Whitney and Joe Edmonds trying to drive in the lane.

The Irish defense put up as much as they could, but Piedmont had some baskets fall for them. The Wildcats would dish the ball to the corner, and the play was done. Piedmont steadily hung in there with the Irish, but the fans kept their spirits up.

Going in to the fourth quarter, McGuinness held on to a 36-29 lead. Defense would be key, and making open shoots would be necessary. If the boys wanted the day off on Friday, they’d have to come through.

As we’ve seen many times, the Irish did what we expected. Coach Tondrell Durham’s boys closed out the game and erased any thought of a come back from Piedmont. The green and white were attacking on defense, and forced turn overs that would put them in position to win.

It was a good night for the Irish, but I noticed something that occurred starting in the fourth quarter.

Although it may not draw a concern soon, the final period brought a tired starting five. The guys made some lazy plays, but the game was well in hand. However with the thought that they could be in a close game with possibly Douglass or Star Spencer, do the Irish have the depth to keep scoring?

A quick answer would be yes, because of the knowledge we have of Miles Newcomb who can make shots off the bench. And if Joe Edmonds, Jameel Whitney, and Kevin Caruthers can be used effectively in the third, the Irish will be able to score.

It just poses as one of those things we’ve seen a few times, and if it will carry into the postseason. For now we know the Irish are looking at a bid to the Area tournament, and are a favorite to make the state tournament.

The Irish journey continues on Saturday in Cushing, Oklahoma. If you can make it, remember to be loud and be proud of your Irish no matter the outcome.