Strong Second Half Propels McGuinness to 5A Crown

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Matthew Christiansen said Oklahoma City McGuinness had a sour taste in its mouth after missing out on the state basketball tournament a year ago.

“It was our motivation all year,” said the 6-foot-8 center who has signed with San Francisco University. “We wanted this. It’s what we’ve worked for all season.”

Christiansen registered 12 points, 19 rebounds and six blocked shots as the top-ranked Irish rolled to 54-41 victory in the Class 5A State Championship game at the Mabee Center on Saturday.

Christiansen was joined in double figures by teammates Matthew Ross with 15 points and Joe Edmonds with 13.

Despite drawing double-team coverage all game, East Central senior Kaleb Porter scored a team-high 15 points. Stanyon Taylor added eight points for the Cardinals.

“Our motto was unfinished business,” Durham said. “We got what we needed. We got it done. I’m proud of our guys.”