Playing for a bid to the state tournament, both McGuinness and Woodward would not lie down and lose the game easily. Midwest City was in for quite a game between McGuinness and a Boomer team holding an impressive record of 20-2.

After a week since their last game against Piedmont, the Irish founded themselves in a hole early. Woodward’s offense was no joke, and what was a very well played Irish defense just couldn’t stop the Boomers from scoring.

Bishop McGuinness also had to put up with a ruckus Woodward crowd. The student section packed inside the stadium, and the fans were just as crazy.

McGuinness couldn’t afford to lose, or they’d be playing in Midwest City again in an elimination game. However, Kevin Caruthers made it his mission to not allow that to happen.

The Irish were down by five at the half, 23-28. Caruthers, who ended the night with 21 points, was giving the Woodward fans less and less to cheer about with his three-point daggers that kept the Irish hanging in there.

As the second half rolled around, McGuinness’ comeback came in full effect. Woodward was in a bind, and were no longer in a position to trade baskets with the determined Irish basketball team.

Finally with in the last minutes of the game, the Irish finally caught up with Woodward. With the game tied up at 45, the Irish didn’t want overtime. With everyone on the edge of their seat, Kevin Caruthers pulled up from beyond the arc and put the Irish up by three.

The McGuinness crowd erupted inside J.E. Sutton Fieldhouse, but their cheers would die the next play. Woodward was able to net a three point shot after a defensive mistake made by the Irish.

With a state tournament bid on the line, regulation wasn’t enough for two schools deserving of the trip.

Throughout the entire night, Coach Tondrell Durham kept on telling his boys “don’t panic.” The guys looked frustrated early on, and were forcing shots. With four new minutes on the clock, McGuinness collected themselves and put out everything on the floor.

Caruthers and Co. put up nine points in the overtime period, and only allowed three points from Woodward. With some quick 3′s and free throws made, Coach Durham’s boys escaped Midwest City with a 57-51 win over Woodward.

With the win, the Irish have secured a place in the Class 4A State Tournament. Awaiting them will be 4A powerhouses like Douglass and Star Spencer who are no stranger to the green and white.

Matt Christiansen was a key ingredient to the Irish’s victory. Christiansen scored 10 points, and his defensive efforts denied some of Woodward’s scoring attempts.

Coming off the bench, Zach Murphy also finished with 10 points. Murphy, subbing in and out for Patrick Daneshmand, was certainly an aid in the McGuinness win.

However, it wasn’t a great night for some of the regular Irish contributors. Jameel Whitney had an off night, and ended up with only three points. What Whitney couldn’t do on the offensive end, he made up for it on the defensive side. Jameel was locking down on the Boomers all night.

The Irish advance to the big dance, and live to see another day. The Irish’s next opponent is uncertain, but stay tuned on IOD’s twitter for that information when it comes avaiable.