A buzzer-beating three-pointer at the end of the third quarter sparked a Rolla comeback, helping the Bulldogs nip Republic in the second round of the Republic Invitational, 41-39.
Republic led 31-23 as time wound down in the third quarter, but when Republic missed a shot with less than ten seconds left, Rolla quickly moved up the court and got the ball to guard Gage Klossner. Klossner waited for a defender to fly by him, squared up to the basket, and swished in a jump shot as time expired, cutting Republic’s lead to 31-26.
The Bulldogs used that momentum to score seven more consecutive points at the start of the fourth quarter. That 10-0 run run put Rolla on top, and although Republic briefly took the lead again on a three-pointer by Jordan Douglas, Rolla held the lead for most of the last few minutes.
With 1:23 remaining and Republic down 39-36, Ahlante Askew made a three-pointer that tied the game. But Rolla’s Luke Foster, who finished with a game-high 18 points, made a short jumper in the lane to give the Bulldogs the lead at 41-39. Republic had a couple of opportunities to tie the game, but the Tigers missed three free throws in the final 30 seconds and Rolla held on.
Six different players scored for Republic, but only Devon McMillin finished in double figures. He had ten points.
The Tigers fall to 0-2 and will play for seventh place at 11 am Saturday against Russellville, Ark.
Scoring
Devon McMillin 10, Jordan Douglas 9, Ahlante Askew 7, Gavyn Beckner 7, Brenley Hagewood 4, Khamari Edwards 2
