After an ice cold start, the Republic Tigers caught fire in the 2nd half, pulling away from Rogersville for a 59-50 win in the semifinals of the Republic Invitational Tournament. The Tigers went on a 15-4 run to start the 3rd quarter after they ended the 1st half trailing 26-24.
The Tigers got 20 points from Dylan Bekemeier. Cody Geiger and Canyon Smith had 14 points apiece.
After hitting seven three-pointers in the 1st half against Siloam Springs Tuesday night, the Tigers failed to connect from long range in the 1st half Saturday. But coming out of the locker room, they hit three quick ones — two from Smith and one from Brock Yocum, who finished the game with seven points.
Republic outscored Rogersville 19-10 in the 3rd quarter to build a cushion, and closed out the win with a 16-14 advantage in the 4th. They hit six of six free throws down the stretch.
Republic improves to 2-0, and will meet Springfield Hillcrest in the tournament championship game Wednesday. The Hornets knocked off Ozark 78-75 in the other semifinal Saturday.
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