For most of the first half, Republic and Branson couldn’t hang onto the ball long enough to take a shot. And when they did, that shot most likely didn’t go in.
But after a turnover-plagued first half, Republic found its composure , pulling away from Branson for a 50-34 win. Kaemyn Bekemeier and Rilynn Finley combined for 41 of Republic’s 50 points.
The Lady Tigers turned the ball over 13 times in the first half, including eight times in the first quarter. Branson had even more turnovers – 16 – in the first half. Republic shot just 31 percent from the floor and was two for ten from three point-range.
“We were kind of our own worst enemy… with our lazy passes. (We were) too loose, too nonchalant,” Flood said. “But it’s a conference win here at Republic. We’ve got to take care of our house.”
Branson’s 1-3-1 zone defense, which has traditionally given Republic fits with its emphasis on closing the passing lanes, perplexed the Lady Tigers throughout the night. But in the second half, Republic got to the free throw line and made its shots, while continuing to shut down Branson at the other end of the floor.
From the two-minute mark in the second quarter, when Republic trailed 20-18, the Lady Tigers outscored Branson 32-14.
“We started making better decisions with the ball, (and) we were actually getting some decent looks and hit some shots,” said coach Kris Flood. “It was kind of a funny game. Both teams weren’t sharp.”
Rilynn Finley was an offensive bright spot, having one of her best games of the year. She finished with 20 points.
Kaemyn Bekemeier led the team with 21 points, 12 of them from the free throw line. Her 12 free throws made her the all-time leader in free throws made at Republic. The old record – the longest-standing record on the books at Republic – belonged to Michelle McGill. She made 356 free throws from 1984-87. Bekemeier has now made 361.
The win improves Republic’s record to 13-5, 2-0 in the COC. Branson falls to 9-9.
Republic travels to Neosho Tuesday for a makeup game with the Lady Wildcats. (We will not carry that game live.)
Republic Scoring
Kaemyn Bekemeier 21, Rilynn Finley 20, Hope Schatz 5, Misora Nambara 4