Tigers Buried Under Andover’s Avalanche of Threes

Republic made lots of three-pointers in the semifinals of the Ralph Miller Classic Friday. But Andover Central made even more, and the Jaguars advanced to the tournament championship game with a 72-61 victory. The teams combined for 23 three-pointers in all––13 by Andover Central and ten by Republic.

The Tigers opened the game with a strong start, jumping ahead 16-10 on the strength of Drew McMillin’s hot shooting. McMillin had 11 points, including three three-pointers, in the first eight minutes. But Andover Central closed the quarter with a 5-0 run, then blitzed Republic in the second quarter. The Jaguars outscored Republic 26-13 in the second period to take a 41-29 lead into the break. Andover Central made nine threes in the first half, and Republic made seven.

A big fourth quarter helped Andover Central extend its lead to 59-41, and the margin balooned to 24 points with about four minutes remaining. After a time out by Tim Brown to help the Tigers regroup, Republic finished strong to cut the lead to 11 by the final buzzer.

Broc Smith was the game’s leading scorer, finishing with 28 points. McMillin scored 21. But no one else scored more than five points for the Tigers, who dropped to 13-4.

Andover Central improved to 9-1.

Republic plays for third place in Chanute, Kan., Saturday evening.

Scoring

Broc Smith 28, Drew McMillin 21, Nate Woolford 5, Trent Rackley 4, Race Looney 3

REPMO DIGEST

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