The Tigers missed shots they normally make and made mistakes they usually avoid in a disappointing road loss at Joplin Friday, 49-45. Republic led by nine points on at least two occasions, but missed opportunities to stretch the lead into double digits and eventually allowed Joplin to eke out a win on its home court.
Republic jumped out to a 12-3 lead, but four Joplin three-pointers helped the Eagles close to within a point, 16-15, at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Republic again pushed its lead to nine points, but on the next two possessions turned the ball over, missed a layup, and missed two free throws. Joplin responded with a 5-0 run that included a three-pointer by Always Wright just ahead of the halftime buzzer, cutting the lead to 28-24.
Joplin edged closer in the third quarter and trailed by just two points, 40-38, as the fourth quarter began. The Eagles held Republic without a field goal for seven-and-a-half minutes in the fourth quarter and built a 47-43 lead, then held on by hitting three of four free throws in the final minute. Joplin outscored Republic 11-5 in a fourth quarter that featured more missed opportunities at the rim and at the free throw line by the Tigers.
Devon McMillin led Republic with 15 points and Avery Moody added 14.
Republic falls to 14-9, and 4-2 in the Central Ozark Conference. Joplin is 15-76 (3-3). Republic will travel to Nixa next Tuesday.
Republic Scoring
Devon McMillin 15, Avery Moody 14, Ahlante Askew 9, Will Fronabarger 3, Brenley Hagewood 2, Gavyn Beckner 2