Ahlante Askew led Republic with 20 points. (File photo by Steve Rackley / Flat Top Photos)

Repmo Roars Back to Beat Benton

Republic gave up 21 points in the first quarter to St. Joseph Benton Thursday, then allowed just 23 points the rest of the game. The Tigers overcame a rocky start to whip the Cardinals 61-44 in the opening round of the Bolivar Tournament.

Three different players finished in double-figure scoring, led by Ahlante Askew, who had 20. Devon McMillin, who scored 12 in the first half to keep the Tigers close while everyone else was ice cold, finished with 18. Brenley Hagewood added 14.

Benton outscored Republic 21-8 in the opening seven minutes of the game. But the Tigers outscored Benton by 30 points, 53-23, over the next 25 minutes to win going away.

Republic plays Thayer in the semifinals of the Bolivar Tournament Friday. The Bobcats beat Branson 68-52. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30, and Republic Tiger Sports will carry the game live.

Republic Scoring
Ahlante Askew 20, Devon McMillin 18, Brenley Hagewood 14, Avery Moody 5, Gunner Ellison 2, Isaiah Nabors 1

Ahlante Askew, Avery Moody, Brenley Hagewood, Devon McMillin, Farr Better Player of the Game, Gunner Ellison, Isaiah Nabors

FARR BETTER PLAYER OF THE GAME

Depending on when you watched Thursday’s game against St. Joe Benton, you might have a very different idea of who led the way for Republic. In the first half, Devon McMillin helped keep the Tigers close, scoring 12 of Republic’s 23 points. He also locked down Benton’s Allan Coy after the first quarter, holding him scoreless in the second and third quarters after Coy scored eight in the opening period. In the second half, Ahlante Askew and Brenley Hagewood both took over at times. Askew scored 15 of his 20 points after halftime, and Havewood added eight second-half points. Taken as a trio, the three guards accounted for 52 of Republic’s 61 points, and they all share our Farr Better Player of the Game honors.

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