Republic nearly fought its way back from an eight-point deficit in the second half, but Ozark’s made a final defensive stand to escape with a 52-51 win and spoil Republic’s Senior Night Tuesday.
Just like the first time Republic and Ozark clashed – during a Blue & Gold Tournament semifinal won by Ozark – the game came down to the final minute. Republic trailed 38-30 late in the third quarter, and had the lead down to four as the fourth quarter began, 42-38. The teams traded baskets throughout the fourth quarter.
With 21.4 seconds left, Ahlante Askew made a driving, leaning layup and drew a foul. The shot cut Ozark’s lead to one point, 52-51, and that was as close as Republic had been since early in the second quarter. Askew missed the free throw, leaving the Tigers behind by one point, and Republic fouled Jace Easley with 8.2 seconds remaining.
Easley missed, setting up Republic with the opportunity for a second consecutive buzzer beater. Avery Moody grabbed the rebound and got the ball to Devon McMillin, but Ozark’s defense hounded McMillin all the way up the court, and when he tried to pass the ball to Moody under the basket, Ozark deflected the ball away to preserve the victory.
Ozark spoiled Senior Night for the Tigers. Before the game, Republic had honored its three seniors, Will Fronabarger, Moody, and McMillin. Those three combined for 13 of Republic’s 15 points in the first quarter and finished with a combined 39 of Republic’s 51 points. Moody led Republic with 22.
“I’ve said it before: those three guys are the DNA of our program – the things that we pride ourselves on and the things that we try to preach and teach in our program – those guys have completely bought in. (They’re) process-driven – coming to work every day, coming to practice, and working as hard as can,” coach Tim Brown said. “They’re going to do great things whenever they leave here. We’re glad we’ve got them, and we’re going to try to keep them here as long as we can.”
Republic finishes its regular season with a 15-11 record, and a 5-3 record in the Central Ozark Conference. Ozark improved to 18-7 overall and 7-1 in the COC.
The Tigers will open district play at Joplin Monday against the Eagles. We will carry video of the game, but it will be offered as a pay-per-view broadcast because of MSHSAA rules. We’ll also offer a free audio broadcast. Both will be available at RepublicTigerSports.com/live.
Republic Scoring
Avery Moody 22, Devon McMillin 9, Will Fronabarger 8, Ahlante Askew 8, Brenley Hagewood 4
