In a game of big momentum swings, the biggest and most important went to Springdale, Ark., in the semifinals of the Republic Invitational. The Bulldogs overcame a 34-31 deficit by out-scoring Republic 28-12 in the fourth quarter to earn a 59-46 win and a place in the championship game.
Most of the game was a series of alternating runs, starting with Springdale. The Bulldogs scored the first ten points of the game as Republic struggled to find the basket. But the Tigers finally scored with 3:30 left in the first quarter, and that sparked a 14-0 run that put them on top. Republic used that momentum to take a 19-12 lead in the middle of the second quarter and led 21-16 at halftime.
The Bulldogs seized the momentum back in the third quarter, outscoring Republic 13-7 to start the second half and retaking the lead. Isaiah Sealy took over the game, scoring 12 points in the quarter to put Springdale on top.
But again Republic snapped back. Early in the fourth quarter, the Tigers led by five points, and they had the ball with a chance to take their biggest lead of the night. But Springdale forced a turnover, then scored 12 consecutive points to take control for good. Sealy made nine free throws in the fourth period to help the Bulldogs put the game away.
Springdale advances to the championship game Saturday at 3:30 to play Bentonville, Ark. Republic will meet Rolla in the third place game at 2:00 pm. The seventh-place game features Ozark and West Plains at 11 am. Liberty and Park Hill South will play in the consolation final for fifth place. Republic Tiger Sports will carry all four games live.
Scoring by Quarter
Springdale 10 6 15 28 – 59
Republic 7 14 13 12 – 46
Individual Scoring
Brenley Hagewood 15, Ahlante Askew 10, Khamari Edwards 8, James Rexroat 7, Jordan Douglas 3, Aslan Ebisch 2, Gunner Ellison 1