Republic exploded for 21 points in the first quarter and breezed to a 78-57 win over Saint Joseph Benton Friday night in the semifinals of the Bolivar tournament. Republic used a 20–5 run that spanned the first and second quarters to pull away early. The lead was 16 points at halftime, 38-18.
Drew McMillin scored 30 points to lead Republic. Joe Rexroat (15) and Race Looney (11) were also in double figures in scoring for the Tigers.
After halftime, Benton showed signs of life, cutting Republic’s 20-point lead to 15 at 41-26. But a technical foul on Benton turned the tide back to Republic. McMillin made two free throws and Looney made two more after being fouled on Republic’s ensuing possession, and Benton never got closer than 16 points the rest of the way.
Republic improves to 13-5 and advances to the Bolivar Tournament’s championship game at 4:00 Saturday. The championship game had originally been set for 2:30, but because of a late adjustment, the JV title game will be played at 2:30, with the varsity game to follow. The Tigers will get a rematch with Bolivar, who beat them in December.
Republic scoring: Drew McMillin 30, Joe Rexroat 15, Race Looney 11, Ahlante Askew 7, Carson Neff 6, Will Berry 5, Trevor Porter 4
Turnovers: Republic 5, St. Joe Benton 12
Rebounds: Republic 22, St. Joe Benton 22
