Republic scored as many points in the first half of Saturday’s game as it had scored in either of its first two games on Thursday and Friday. The Tigers jumped all over Russellville, Ark., sprinting to a 30-point halftime lead on the way to a 79-46 victory in the 7th-place game of the Republic Invitational Tournament.
Ahlante Askew, who had been held in check by defenses during Republic’s first two losses, exploded for 26 points. He scored 16 of those points in the second quarter, helping the Tigers build a 47-17 lead at the break.
Three other Tigers also scored in double figures. Khamari Edwards dominated in the first quarter to help Republic assert control, scoring nine of his career-high 13 points. Brenley Hagewood also scored 13 points, and it was a career high for him, as well. Devon McMillin finished with 12 points.
Republic had opened the season Thursday with a 47-point performance in a 53-47 loss to Springdale, Ark. Friday night, the Tigers had managed just 39 points in a 41-39 loss to Rolla. But Saturday, Republic racked up 22 points in the first quarter and added 25 in the second, equaling their output from the entire game Thursday and surpassing their point total from Friday.
Sophomore Jordan Douglas continued his hot shooting from the outside. He may be the most consistent player on the team three games into the season, making three three-pointers in each of Republic’s first three games. He finished with nine points Saturday.
James Rexroat also scored his first career points when he knocked down a three-pointer in the fourth quarter.
Scoring
Ahlante Askew 26, Brenley Hagewood 13, Khamari Edwards 13, Devon McMillin 12, Jordan Douglas 9, Gavyn Beckner 3, James Rexroat 3
