Offense Falters in Tournament Loss

Republic came out cold and stayed that way most of the day in a 41-32 loss to Rolla in the finals of the Stephanie Phillips Classic at Kickapoo Saturday. The Lady Tigers turned the ball over 18 times in the loss.

“I felt like we gave ourselves a chance defensively,” said coach Kris Flood. “We kept them in the low forties. They played really … tough defense. They’re so long and even the guards get out and guard and kind of frustrated us.”

Republic fell behind 13-8 after one quarter and trailed 22-15 at halftime. But despite the slow start, Republic got within five points of Rolla after Savana Powell-Goodman opened the second half with a three-pointer. Republic couldn’t seize the momentum, though, against Rolla’s tight defense. They managed only five more points the rest of the quarter and trailed 29-22 heading into the fourth.

“In the third quarter … we were getting some stops had some opportunities,” Flood said. “We had a series of turnovers there that kind of hurt us. It was just really tough to get points.”

After making 16 of 18 free throws Friday night, the Lady Tigers missed nine free throws Saturday, contributing to their offensive woes. They also turned the ball over 18 times.

Republic falls to 3-2. They’re off until the Pink & White Lady. Classic after Christmas.

Republic Scoring: Savana Powell-Goodman 11, Kaemyn Bekemeier 6, Delaney Smith 6, Jazzy Kirby 3, Jade Kirby 2, Kaitlyn Ragsdale 2, Shealyn Barrett 2

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