The Republic Tigers blew out their second straight Blue & Gold opponent to advance to the tournament semifinals, beating 6th-seeded Fair Grove 62-32.
The Tigers used a suffocating defense to shut down the Eagles, and took advantage of their size and quickness advantage in building a big early lead. The Tigers led 15-9 after the first quarter, then outscored the Eagles 20-6 in the second quarter to lead 35-15 at the break.
Republic gradually expanded its lead through the third period, and went up by 30 when Nick Yocum skied over everyone to tip in a missed shot in the final minute of the quarter. He followed that with a 3-pointer a few seconds later, and the Tigers led 54-21 after three.
Yocum had returned to the lineup for the first time since injuring his wrist in the game against Cassville earlier this season.
Canyon Smith led the Tigers in scoring with 16 points. Jerrod Harmon led Fair Grove with 8.
The Tigers improve to 7-1 this season. Fair Grove falls to 8-1.
Republic advances to play Marshfield Wednesday night at 8:30 at Hammons Student Center in the tournament semifinals.
