Republic fought off a furious fourth quarter run by Webb City to snap a two-game skid and beat the Cardinals at home Friday, 71-64. The Cardinals scored 27 points in the final eight minutes, cutting a 16-point lead down to a one before Republic put the game away at the free throw line. The Tigers made 15 out of 17 free throw attempts in the fourth quarter.
Drew McMillin scored 29 points to lead Republic. His points included a 7-for-8 performance at the line in the fourth period. Two other players scored in double figures: Joe Rexroat added 15 and Ahlante Askew added 14 for Republic.
The Tigers jumped ahead early with a big first quarter, holding the Cardinals to just seven points and grabbing a 17-7 lead. They held onto a ten-point lead at halftime, 31-21.
In the third quarter, the Tigers looked like they’d pull away for an easy win. The Tigers outscored Webb City 22-16 to extend their lead to 53-37. But Webb City exploded in the fourth quarter to throw a scare into Republic before the turned the tide to hold on.
Republic is now 18-7 overall. They’re 6-2 in the Central Ozark Conference. Webb City falls to 12-9 (4-3).
Republic scoring: Drew McMillin 29, Joe Rexroat 15, Ahlante Askew 14, Will Berry 7, Nate Woolford 4, Carson Neff 2
