Just about everything that needed to happen for Hillcrest to upset Republic Tuesday did happen. But Hunter Creek made sure the Hornets couldn’t close the deal, and the 4th-seeded Tigers escaped with a 48-47 overtime win to open the Blue & Gold Tournament. Creek scored all seven points in the overtime to spark Republic, who finished with leading scorer Broc Smith on the bench, having fouled out.
The Tigers never trailed until late in the third quarter, when Hillcrest took its first lead at 31-29. Hillcrest eventually built a six-point lead early in the fourth, but Republic fought back to tie the game 41-41, and that’s where the score stood at the end of regulation.
The teams traded buckets, and the score was tied 45-45 when Smith fouled out around the 1:40 mark. But on Republic’s next possession, Creek drove to the bucket and drew a foul, then hit both free throws. After a defensive stop at the other end, Republic went back to Creek, who drove around his defender again, drew another foul, and made one of two to put Republic up 48-45.
Hillcrest scored quickly at the other end, forced a turnover in the backcourt, and held the ball for a final shot. But the Hornets’ jumper missed the mark, and a follow attempt was off, as well, giving Republic the victory.
Coach Trevyor Fisher says Republic’s struggles were a combination of a bad shooting night, solid Hillcrest defense, self-inflicted mistakes, and bad shooting luck.
“We had some good looks early in the game and they didn’t go in. So, you know, you start pressing a little bit. Defensively, you’re not moving and talking, as well,” Fisher says.
“And then Hillcrest did a good job of pressuring our guards and making it tough just to make passes. We didn’t do a very good job of handling that in passing and catching, and going up strong. But then you add the day after Christmas, all that stuff kind of plays into that part. So we’re just happy to get out of here with the win.”
Republic improves to 6-2. The Tigers advance to play unseeded West Plains in the winner’s bracket quarterfinals Wednesday at 6:30. West Plains beat 5th-seeded Mansfield Tuesday.
Individual Scoring
Broc Smith 16, Hunter Creek 11, Race Looney 8, Trent Rackley 4, Tucker Thomas 4, Drew McMillin 3, Jaden Duvall 2