Sophomore Drew McMillin caught fire in the fourth quarter as Republic overcame a nine-point deficit to beat the Coffeyville Golden Tornado in the opening round of the Ralph Miller Classic in Chanute, Kansas, 48-47. McMillin scored 11 of his team-high 21 points in the final eight minutes to lead Republic’s comeback.
The Tigers trailed for most of the first 30 minutes of the game. After Broc Smith gave Republic a 3-0 lead with a long jumper, Coffeyville answered with two three-pointers of its own. From there, they led until a Jaden Duvall basket capped a 13-2 run by the Tigers and gave Republic an 18-16 lead. But Coffeyville regained the lead and maintained a slight edge before going on a 5-0 run to end the third quarter. As the teams entered the final period, Coffeyville led 39-32.
But when Smith drained a three-pointer to open the fourth quarter, it started the Tigers down the road to a comeback. McMillin followed with two bombs in quick succession to cut the lead to 45-41. When a basket by Race Looney and a jumper from McMillin tied the score at 45, it was the first time Republic had pulled even since the middle of the second quarter.
Coffeyville retook the lead at 47-45 with just under two minutes to play, but McMillin splashed home another three to put Republic on top 48-47 to give the Tigers their first lead since 18-16.
The Tigers got the ball back, but turned the ball over and gave Coffeyville a final shot to tie or win. But Republic’s defense frustrated Coffeyville, forcing the Golden Tornado to take a long, off-balance three as time expired.
Republic escaped with the win to improve to 13-3. The Tigers play Andover Central Friday at 6:00. Republic Tiger Sports will livestream the game here.
Scoring
Drew McMillin 21, Broc Smith 11, Trent Rackley 8, Race Looney 4, Jaden Duvall 2, Joe Rexroat 2