Republic overcame a five-point deficit with a big second quarter, pulling away from Carthage for a 45-34 win on the road to open Central Ozark Conference play Tuesday.
Republic trailed 11-6 after one quarter, but outscored Carthage 20-5 in the second quarter to take control.
“The first quarter, they kind of took it to us. The second quarter, we tightened up our defense,” says coach Trevyor Fisher. “We always talk about if offense fails you, you’ve got to rely on your defense, and it bailed us out again tonight, because we weren’t very good offensively–turning the ball over and just being soft with the ball. But defensively, it was a good effort. We’ve just got to continue to improve.”
The Tigers shot 42% from the floor, but made just 3-of-14 three-point attempts. They held Carthage to 34% shooting (14-of-41). Republic out-rebounded Carthage 29-24.
Treydon Rackley scored 18 points to lead the Tigers. Tristan Ollar was also in double figures in scoring, with 10 points. Ty Stevens scored eight, Devon Ward scored four, Mitch Coiner had three, and Caleb Singley scored two for the Tigers.
Republic is now 10-3 overall. They’ve won ten of their last 11 games, and they’re 1-0 in conference play. The Tigers travel to Marshfield Friday for a non-conference game.