The Republic Tigers bolted to a 20-point lead at Neosho Tuesday, but let it slip away in a 58-56 overtime loss. The Tigers used hot shooting and good defense to build a 22-4 lead after the first quarter. They led 32-20 at halftime.
But early in the 3rd quarter, Neosho rattled off a 7-0 run to close the gap to five. They eventually got the lead down to three points at the end of the third quarter, 43-40. Second-chance points played a big part in the Wildcats’ comeback, including the final bucket of regulation to force overtime. The Wildcats missed twice before scoring on a put-back with 1.5 seconds left to tie the game at 50.
In the overtime, Republic failed to make a field goal. They made enough free throws to keep keep the game close, but Neosho hit two free throws with four seconds left, and Republic couldn’t answer at the other end as time expired.
The loss drops Republic to 9-3 overall, and 0-1 in Central Ozark Conference play.
Republic’s JV team beat Neosho 55-49. Two other Republic teams got victories in overtime at Neosho, as the 7th graders beat the Wildcats in two thrillers. The B team won in double-overtime, and the A team overcame a 13-0 deficit to knock off a much bigger Neosho squad in overtime as well.