Tigers stumble from top of COC standings

Republic’s undefeated conference record crumbled on the road last week. The Tigers lost their first two Central Ozark Conference games of the season, Tuesday at Willard and Friday at Joplin.

Willard 64, Republic 60 (Overtime)

Republic fought through early foul trouble to force overtime, but ultimately had no answer for Willard’s tandem of big men inside, losing 64-60. With Avery Moody and Devon McMillin both on the bench, Willard pounded the ball down low to 6’4” Gavin Davis and 6’4” Haden Brown. Davis scored 24 points, including 18 in the second quarter. Brown took over late in the game, scoring 14 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter and overtime.

Republic led 18-9 at the end of the first quarter, but Willard had grabbed the lead by halftime, 29-24. Republic regained the lead late in the third quarter, but Willard fought back and managed to take the lead in the final minute of regulation. Brenley Hagewood made a jumper to tie the score, and Republic got a defensive stop on the final possession of the fourth quarter. But the overtime belonged to Willard, which outscored Republic 7-3 in the extra period to secure the win.

Ahlante Askew led Republic with 18 points and Devon McMillin finished with 16. Hagewood added ten.

Joplin 49, Republic 45

Republic failed to put away Joplin when it had the chance, and the Eagles came back to won on their home floor Friday. The Tigers led by nine points on two occasions in the first half, but wasted possessions when they had the chance to stretch the lead to double digits.

Joplin whittled the lead down to four points at halftime (28-24) and to two points (40-38) at the end of the third quarter.

In the fourth, Republic went without a field goal for nearly seven-and-a-half minutes, allowing Joplin to take the lead. The Eagles made enough free throws in the final minute to seal the victory.

Republic fell to 14-9 overall and 4-2 in the COC.