The Republic Tigers used a scorching 3rd quarter to pull away from Ozark, and hung on in the 4th quarter for a season-opening win, 71-59. Republic outscored Ozark 24-13 to build a 61-45 lead going into the final period. Ozark cut the lead to five points down the stretch before Republic pulled away again. (Listen to Coach Gary Stanfield’s post-game comments below.)
Senior Ryan Mathis scored 18 points to lead Republic. Junior Nick Yocum added 16. Brody Thompon and Jonathan Combs scored eight points each. Nick Dibben added seven, and Cody Geiger had six.
Clint Landrigan scored 11 to lead Ozark. Skylar Verfurth scored 10.
Republic moves into the semifinal of its own tournament. The Tigers will play Hillcrest Friday night at 6 p.m. Hillcrest advanced by beating Waynesville 48-32.
Ozark will play against Waynesville in the losers bracket game Thursday night.
(Note: Thanks to Rodger Wheeler of the Republic Monitor for the photo!)