Republic’s offensive troubles continued Saturday night in a 39-37 loss to Bolivar at home. The Tigers have scored more than 45 points just once in the past five games.
Bolivar raced out to a 15-8 lead after one quarter, and led 26-21 at halftime. Republic closed the gap to one, at 28-27, in the final minutes of the 3rd period. But a Bolivar jumper at the buzzer extended the lead back to three — and the Liberators started the 4th quarter with two straight 3-pointers to take a nine-point lead.
Republic responded with a 10-1 run to tie the game at 37 on a pair of free throws by Nick Yocum. But on Bolivar’s final possession, officials whistled Republic for a foul on the perimeter, setting up free throws to give them a 39-37 lead. After a timeout, Republic’s final shot bounded off the rim as time expired.
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The JV team was tied 43-43 after three periods, but pulled away in the 4th quarter to win 64-48.
