[vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]
The Republic Lady Tigers overcame a 15-point deficit in the second half to beat Neosho going away, 59-52. Megan Branstetter’s blistering shooting pace led the way. She scored 19 of her 21 points in the second half, 15 of them on three pointers.
Republic scored 48 points in the second half, after barely cracking double digits in the first. A steal and layup by Branstetter as time expired in the second quarter gave Republic 11 points at the break. They trailed 23-11.
“We turned basketball several years with that performance (in the first half),” joked coach Kris Flood.
But Neosho had failed to take advantage of several opportunities to put Republic away in the first half, and the Lady Tigers made Neosho pay in the second half.
“The coaching staff kind of talked [at halftime] and said we need to pick up our intensity a little bit on defense and maybe extend the pressure a little bit,” Flood says. “We did, and we got [Neosho] a little bit uncomfortable, and they were they were making some turnovers.”
In addition to the defensive change, Flood opened up the offense in the half-court to spark the Lady Tigers. “We went back to our ‘five out’ and were just trying to get some movement and get some cutting. We finally stepped up and hit some shots the second half. That always cures a lot of things.”
Branstetter’s hot shooting seemed to get everyone else on the team rolling, and Republic went on a 22-6 run to turn a 29-14 deficit into a 36-35 lead.
“She definitely got into rhythm there, and you could tell she was feeling it,” Flood says of Branstetter. “We were giving them the green light.”
The win improves Republic’s record to 9-9. They’re back at .500 for the first time since the season began, after a 2-6 start.
“I think it shows their perseverance. It shows that they’re capable,” Flood says. “Even in these situations like tonight, where we fell behind again, they chip away and battle, and they’ve done that the past month and a half. Hopefully we can keep carrying this momentum.”
Individual Scoring
Megan Branstetter 21, Brylee Manes 15, Halli Bartelsmeyer 12, Morgan McGuire 6, Lacee Walcher 4, Avy Powell-Qualo 1
[/vc_column_text][vc_message message_box_color=”orange” icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-money” css=”.vc_custom_1481382567027{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”]
Find out how you can get $25 worth of free photos as a subscriber to Republic Tiger Sports magazine. Sign up now, before this offer runs out![/vc_message][/vc_column][vc_column css_animation=”appear” typography_style=”white” width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1512664818788{border-top-width: 3px !important;border-right-width: 3px !important;border-bottom-width: 3px !important;border-left-width: 3px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #000000 !important;border-left-color: #dd890b !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #dd890b !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #dd890b !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #dd890b !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-radius: 1px !important;}” el_class=”farrbetter”][vc_column_text]
Farr Better Player of the Game
Megan Branstetter caught fire in the second half and helped Republic come from behind to beat Neosho. Branstetter made five three-pointers after halftime, and scored 19 of her 21 points, to lead the Lady Tigers to a COC win at home. She’s our Farr Better Player of the Game.
When you need a plumber, you usually need one fast — but you also want one who’ll do the job right. In the Republic area, that’s Farr Better Plumbing. Call Farr Better and let them take away the stress of your plumbing problems. Call them at 864-8703 or check out their website.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Get every story delivered.
Tiger Wire — Republic sports news, free every morning.