The Republic Lady Tigers erased most of a 14-point first-half deficit, but their comeback bid fell just short in a 49-46 loss to top-seeded Ozark in the Pink & White Tournament semifinals.
Ozark used a 10-0 run during the 2nd quarter to build a 14-point lead at 28-14. A Kyra Ramsey 3-pointer just before halftime ended a string of 11 straight misses from the floor by Republic.
In the 2nd half, Republic rode the hot hand of Alexis Edwards to climb back into the game. Edwards scored 14 of her team-high 20 points after halftime, as Republic cut the Ozark lead to one point, at 43-42. But Ozark never folded, and Jackie Wacha hit 2 big free throws in the final seconds to help seal the victory.
Republic had one final possession to tie the game with a 3-pointer, but a jumper by Alice Heinzler was partially blocked, and time expired before Republic could get off another shot.
In addition to Edwards’ 20 points, the Lady Tigers got 11 points from Kyra Ramsey. Heinzler had two big 3-pointers in the 3rd quarter to help Republic cut into Ozark’s lead.
Hannah Cook had 18 points to lead Ozark.
Republic plays for 3rd place at JQH Arena Thursday at noon. Ozark will play in the championship game after that.
