Russellville’s full-court pressure defense caused fits for Republic in the 2nd half, but the Tigers kept their composure, hit their free throws down the stretch, and advanced to the Republic Invitational finals with a 64-56 win Friday.
Cody Geiger led the Tigers with 14 points. Canyon Smith had 13 and Marcus Miller added 12. Jake Fletcher scored 10.
Republic jumped on top early, using their size in the middle to dominate the first quarter. When Ty Abney drained a 3-pointer at the buzzer, the lead was 18-8 for the Tigers.
Republic stayed in control until the final two minutes of the second quarter. Russellville ratcheted up the defensive pressure, and Republic didn’t handle it well. A couple of Tiger turnovers allowed Russellville to end the half on a 7-2 run. The Republic lead at halftime was 28-23.
Russellville immediately scored four points in the 3rd quarter to cut the lead to 28-27 before Republic pushed it back out to six points. It stayed in that range for most of the 3rd quarter, and the Tigers led by eight with one quarter to play, 45-37.
But Russellville’s defense wasn’t done. They forced multiple turnovers by the Tigers, eventually cut the lead to one point again, and had a chance to take the lead on one possession.
Republic got a defensive stop and Cody Geiger scored on an offensive rebound at the other end to extend the lead to three points again.
From there, it came down to free throws. The Tigers got the ball in the hands of their best shooter, Canyon Smith, as much as possible. He hit seven of eight free throws in the 3rd quarter to help seal the victory.
Republic improves to 2-0 and faces Hillcrest in the tournament final Saturday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. Hillcrest advanced to the championship game by beating Rogersville 73-70.
