Seniors Avery Moody and Devon McMillin took turns screening, slipping, and scoring all night, leading the Tigers to a 71-61 over Branson at home Tuesday night. Moody finished with a career-high 23 points and McMillin added 22.
Republic threatened to put the game away several times, but Branson’s Kyle Scarbrough kept the Pirates close. He finished with a game-high 33 points, including five three-pointers. Ethan Jones had three more treys – all in the third quarter – as Branson avoided what looked like a potential blowout.
Republic led 30-21 at halftime, and an 8-0 run midway through the third quarter helped the Tigers stretch the lead to 14 points. The lead remained there by the end of the third, 57-43. Scarbrough kept scoring to keep the Pirates relatively close, but much of the second half was a scoring duel between Republic seniors Moody and McMillin.
McMillin was the first to reach 20 points on a dribble drive and bank shot to the left block. Moody scored on the next Republic possession, then surpassed McMillin’s point total with a bucket in the final two minutes. While the two seniors were scoring down low with help from Askew’s passes, Askew was scoring his share of points, too. He finished with 16.
Not only did Republic come close to having three players with 20+ points, the Tigers also nearly had three double-doubles in one night. Moody had eight rebounds to go with his 23 points. McMillin also had eight rebounds with his 22-point night. And Askew had 16 points and nine boards.
Republic improved to 13-7 overall and 3-0 in the Central Ozark Conference. Branson falls to 7-12 (0-3).
Republic Scoring
Avery Moody 23, Devon McMillin 22, Ahlante Askew 16, Will Fronabarger 6, Brenley Hagewood 2, Gunner Ellison 2
