The Republic Tigers scored the first eight points of the first quarter, then scored eight straight to start the second quarter, on the way to a blowout win over Waynesville 67-42. The Tigers put four players in double figures in their season opener at the Republic Invitational, led by Nick Yocum with 15.
Payton Looney added 14 points, Canyon Smith had 12, and Jake Fletcher had 10 for the Tigers. Eight players scored in all for Republic.
Waynesville’s Brandon Jean-Baptiste scored 17 points to lead all scorers.
Republic led 11-10 after the first quarter, but held Waynesville to just four points in the second quarter, and took a 29-14 lead into the halftime break. Republic led 49-28 after three periods.
The Tigers advance to the tournament semifinals, and will play Friday night. Waynesville drops to the losers bracket, and will play Thursday.