For the second night in a row, Republic let its opponent pull far ahead during the second quarter. Unlike Thursday, though, the Lady Tigers clawed their way back into contention Friday evening before losing 60-45 to Jefferson City. Jazzy Kirby led Republic with 17 points, a season high for her.
Republic struggled to hang onto the ball against the rangy, physical Lady Jays defense. Jefferson City outscored Republic 18-5 in the second quarter to build a 34-18 lead at the midway point. The Lady Jays eventually led by as many as 19 points before Republic made a second-half run.
Late in the third quarter, Republic cut the lead to 11 points and had the ball, but turned it over and allowed a three-pointer by Jefferson City at the other end of the floor. That made the score 50-36 at the end of the third quarter. Republic never got closer than 12 points the rest of the night.
The Lady Tigers fall to 1-2. Jefferson City is 5-0. Republic plays Rolla at 11 am Saturday. (We’ll have live coverage starting just before tipoff.)
Republic scoring:
Jazzy Kirby 17, Rilynn Finley 10, Kaitlyn Ragsdale 10, Eternity Knotts 3, Ashlyn Leonard 2, Cameron Gardner 2, Savana Powell-Goodman 1
