Republic allowed 16 points in the first quarter and just 26 points the rest of the way as they pulled away from McDonald County on the road in Anderson Friday night, 50-42. Tristan Ollar had 12 and Mitch Coiner had 11 for the Tigers, who improved to 12-3 overall. They’ve 12 of their last 13 games and seven in a row.
The Tigers trailed 16-13 after the first quarter, but outscored the Mustangs 13-7 in the second quarter to take a 26-23 lead into halftime. McDonald County tied the game four times in the third quarter but never managed to take the lead, and Republic led 37-35 heading into the final period.
Ty Stevens made a three pointer on the Tigers’ first possession to give them some breathing room. From there, they stretched the lead to as many as 10 points, despite an uncharacteristically abysmal performance from the free-throw line. The Tigers made just eight of 18 free-throw attempts for the game, and missed eight free throws in the fourth quarter when they could’ve put the Mustangs away.
Still, the Republic defense buckled down, and McDonald County was never able to get closer than seven.
The Tigers made 54% of their shots from the field. They held McDonald County to 35%, including just five of 24 on three-point attempts.
Treydon Rackley had nine points for the Tigers. Ty Stevens had seven. Cameron Doke scored five. Caleb Singley had four, and Tyler Phillips added two.
Republic is back in action at the Rogersville Tournament next week.
