Five days ago, the Republic Tigers had never made more than 13 three-pointers in a game. Now they’ve done it twice.
Republic exploded for 14 three-pointers – seven of them by Ahlante Askew – in a 68-46 win at Branson. The Tigers made seven threes in the first quarter, building a 25-11 lead over the first eight minutes of play. Unlike last week’s 17-trey performance, when Drew McMillin made 16, the Tigers spread out the effort this time around. Four different players made at least one three-pointer.
“I think it’s awesome, and I think would tell you the same thing. We had a lot of other guys step up and make shots,” said coach Tim Brown.
Branson stayed within striking distance for much of the night, thanks to a big game by junior guard Kyle Scharbrough, who finished with 25 points. But After the Pirates got the lead down to single digits in the third quarter, 44-36, Republic went on a 17-4 run to put the game out of reach.
In addition to Askew’s seven threes, Republic got five from Drew McMillin and one each from Will Fronabarger and Carson Neff.
“Whenever we’re all hitting shots, we just feel like we can beat any team. That’s what dangerous about us – all of us hit shots,” said Askew. “Me and Drew can take anyone off the bounce, we feel like, and we have people who can step up and hit the shots.”
Republic is 17-2 overall and 3-0 in the Central Ozark Conference. The Tigers travel to Carthage for another league game Friday night. Republic Tiger Sports will carry the game live.
Republic Scoring
Drew McMillin 31, Ahlante Askew 27, Oliver Welch 4, Will Fronabarger 3, Carson Neff 3
