The Republic Lady Tigers didn’t shoot well all night, but they finally managed to hit their free throws when it counted, to escape from Nixa with a 54-46 win.
Republic fell behind early, trailing 12-7 after one period. They outscored Nixa 15-5 in the 2nd quarter, and led 22-17 at halftime. The Lady Tigers looked like they were on the verge of pulling away in the 2nd half.
But Nixa scored the first five points of the 3rd quarter to tie the game at 22 apiece. The Lady Eagles led 31-30 going into the final period, and stretched their lead to four points, at 36-32, with about 6:30 left in the game.
But Sarah Kruel hit four straight free throws to tie the game, and Alice Heinzler buried a 3-pointer to give the Lady Tigers the momentum back. And after missing 11 of their first 23 free throws, the Lady Tigers made eight straight down the stretch to seal the victory.
Payton Rayl had 18 points to lead Republic. Alexis Edwards had 10. Kyra Ramsey chipped in 7, and Sarah Kruel had 6.
Republic improves to 15-6.
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