Willard pounded the ball into the paint all night and Republic was unable to find an answer in a 64-60 overtime loss at Willard Tuesday. Gavin Davis and Haden Brown, Willard’s two 6’4″ starters, combined for 40 of Willard’s 64 points.
Foul trouble hampered Republic’s defense all night, with Avery Moody and Devon McMillin spending extended minutes on the bench. Willard took advantage, especially in the second and fourth quarters. David scored 18 of his 24 points in the second period, and Brown came alive late in the game, scoring 14 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter and the overtime.
Republic jumped ahead 18-9 by the end of the first quarter, but went cold in the second. Willard outscored Republic 20-6 to take a 29-24 lead at half.
The third quarter belonged to the Republic Tigers, and they grabbed a 41-39 lead as the fourth quarter began. But every time Republic threatened to pull away, Willard responded. During one key stretch, Republic came up empty on consecutive possessions when a bucket could have given it a six-point lead.
Willard grabbed a 57-55 lead in the final minute, but freshman Brenley Hagewood hit a jumper to tie the score. Willard then had a chance to win the game with less than five seconds remaining, but Republic denied the in-bounds pass on Willard’s end of the floor, forcing a five-second call. A half-court shot by Ahlante Askew as time expired was off the mark.
In the overtime, Askew’s three-pointer was the only Republic bucket. Willard outscored Republic 7-3 to eke out the home victory.
Republic falls to 14-8 overall and 4-1 in the COC. Willard is 14-8 and 2-3.
The Tigers will play at Joplin Friday.
Republic Scoring
Ahlante Askew 18, Devon McMillin 16, Brenley Hagewood 10, Avery Moody 6, Will Fronabarger 6, James Rexroat 2, Gavyn Beckner 2