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By Heather Whitty | Copy Editor

The Pirates had a huge victory Tuesday night over third-ranked Churchill as they head into the final stretch of their season. The final score was 70-63 after the Lancers made a final three to keep the game within seven points.

Senior point guard Derek Duenas believes the team did well.

“Our defense was really good, we contained the ball really well,” Duenas said.

Senior post player Dalton Milburn was the top scorer for the Pirates with 29 points.

“Dalton played really good. He had good energy,” head coach Jesse Ainsworth said.

Milburn said the outside shots helped secure a win.

“From the perimeter we were hitting our shots,” Milburn said.

Assistant coach Brogan Oswald said the Pirates did what was needed to win the game.

“We shot 76 [percent] from the line, which is a huge improvement, and we limited turnovers, which is what you have to do to beat Churchill,” Oswald said.

The game was a big victory for the Pirates, as Churchill is ranked first in the Midwestern League and third in the state. The Pirates play at Willamette on Saturday and have a positive outlook for the game.

“The boys are feeling confident coming off this huge win,” Oswald said. “I think they’ll do good.”