The Republic Lady Tigers scored 24 points in the 4th quarter to break open a close game and beat Mt. Vernon 56-43 at the Lady Houn’ Tournament in Aurora. Alex Botkin had 22 points to lead the Lady Tigers.
Republic struggled offensively for the first three quarters. They trailed 7-2 early, and trailed 11-9 at the end of one period.
A 10-2 run late in the 2nd quarter gave the Lady Tigers the lead, and they went into the locker room at halftime leading 23-21.
The offensive trouble continued for both teams in the 3rd quarter, with Mt.Vernon outscoring the Lady Tigers 11-9, setting up a 32-32 ballgame going into the final period.
In the 4th quarter, Republic’s full-court pressure defense finally wore down the Lady Mountaineers, and the Lady Tigers scored several easy buckets off turnovers. They also made 10 of 14 free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.
Alice Heinzler had 13 points, all in the 2nd half. Sarah Kreul and Brooke Dutton added six points apiece.
Republic advances to the tournament finals Friday night against Walnut Grove, who upset top-seeded Bolivar Thursday evening.