Ozark built a lead by hitting seven 3-point shots in the first half, then held on for a 60-58 win over Republic in the first round of the Rogersville Tournament.
Ozark built a 9-point lead early, at 19-10, on the strength of its outside shooting. A Nick Yocum 3-pointer cut the lead to 19-13 as the first quarter ended.
In the second quarter, Republic cut the lead to four before Ozark stretched it out again. Ozark led 31-24 at halftime.
Republic used a 10-2 run to tie the game for the first time at 38-38, with about two minutes left in the 3rd quarter. Ozark answered and built the lead to 4 points again, but a Payton Looney 25-footer at the buzzer made the score 44-43 after three periods.
In the 4th quarter, Republic fell behind again, 49-44, but scored five straight points to tie it. The game was close the rest of the way, but Republic could never grab the lead. Ozark didn’t ice the game until two free throws by Clint Landrigan with eight seconds left. A 3-pointer by Combs in the final seconds accounted for the final margin.
Republic will play next on Thursday afternoon at 4:30 against Marshfield, in Rogersville.
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