Brooke Dutton hit a game-tying layup at the end of regulation to force overtime, and Republic outscored Kickapoo 16-9 in the extra period, to stay undefeated with an 81-74 victory.
Alice Heinzler had 21 points, including three 3-pointers. Sarah Kreul had 20, including 10 in the fourth quarter to spark a Lady Tigers’ comeback. Alex Botkin added 12 points and Dutton had 10.
Kreul’s biggest two points came with 11.9 seconds left in regulation and Republic trailing 63-61. She was fouled hard inside, and stepped to the line to drain to free throws and tie the game.
That set up more heroics for the Lady Tigers. At the other end of the floor, Kickapoo’s Annie Armstrong was fouled and hit her free throws to put Kickapoo ahead again, 65-63, with 5.1 seconds remaining. Armstrong had a huge game, finishing with 36 points to lead all scorers.
Botkin took the in-bound pass, dribbled the length of the floor, and dished to Dutton for her game-tying layup at the buzzer.
Kickapoo scored four quick points to start the overtime, but Republic’s defense shut down the Lady Chief, allowing only five points the rest of the way. Heinzler hit a three-pointer to cut the lead to one, then went 6-for-6 from the free throw line down the stretch help seal the victory.
Republic improves to 6-0. The JV and freshman teams both also won.