18.10.2014: St Mirren West College Scotland - Stirling Knights 88:80

The Stirling Knights Men’s team travelled to Paisley to match up against St Mirren last weekend, who are widely regarded as one of the top two teams in Scotland and haven’t lost a game yet this season. With a line-up of Scottish internationalists, including the formidable Nick Collins and Fraser Glass who plays for the BBL Glasgow Rocks, St Mirren looked to be extremely strong but an excellent first quarter from the Knights saw it end 19-19. The second quarter was much the same, with neither team able to edge ahead significantly. Good play from the Knights had them only down 40-39 at half time.

The third quarter was tight and it was only in the final stanza that St Mirren managed to pull away and even with a Stirling fight back the game ended disappointingly for the Knights in a loss 88-80.

Coach Mark Duncan however was very pleased with his team’s performance with the side showing a strong team work ethic and much improvement this season so far, he said “ To come through here and almost snatch victory was big for us. St Mirren are one of the top teams in Scotland so, although I am not happy with a loss, I am happy with our performance. Hopefully we can take it forward to our Scottish Cup game this Saturday (25th)”

Connor Rankin was back near his best having missed a few games and top scored with 18 points with four other Knights in double figures. Special mention must go to 18 year old Connor Sharp who, in his first minutes of action this season, scored 4 points, including two important free throws.