No post-Christmas letdown for the focused Republic Tigers. The #2 seed scored the first 12 points of the game and blew out unseeded Stockton (4-4) 74-32 at Hammons Student Center to open the tournament.
Eleven different players scored for Republic, which allowed only three points in the first quarter in building a 24-3 lead after one. The score was 49-9 at halftime.
From the start, Republic’s defense was too much for Stockton to handle, which failed to get off a shot on most of its early possessions. That sharp Republic defense led to several breakaway baskets for the Tigers as they built their early lead.
In the second half, Republic stretched its lead even further before coach Tim Brown rested his starters. The highlight of second half was a one-handed dunk by Isaiah Nabors before he left the game in favor of the JV lineup that finished things out.
Two Republic players, Kaden Howard and Davin Parks, picked up their first career varsity points.
Republic advances to the second round Tuesday at 12:30 at Great Southern Bank Arena against Springfield Hillcrest. The Tigers beat the Hornets on their home floor earlier this season, 77-55. Hillcrest is the #7 seed in the Blue bracket.
Score by Quarters
Stockton 3 6 11 12 – 32
Repbulic 24 25 19 6 – 74
Indvidual Scoring
Ahlante Askew 17, James Rexroat 11, Isaiah Nabors 9, Brenley Hagewood 8, Khamari Edwards 8, Jordan Douglas 6, Aslan Ebisch 5, Gunner Ellison 4, Davin Parks 2, Kaden Howard 2, Cason Bekemeier 2