Branson almost closed its dismal regular season with a bang, but Republic’s Brenley Hagewood sparked a big second half to help Republic run away from the Pirates for a 66-43 win.
Branson, which has only five wins this season, trailed by only four points at one time in the third quarter before the Tigers turned on the jets. But Republic went on a 26-7 run over the next ten minutes to take control.
Hagewood scored 15 points in the first half, but Branson kept him scoreless in the third quarter as it fought back within striking distance. In the fourth quarter, though, Hagewood dropped in four three-pointers to put the Pirates away.
Gunner Ellison also finished in double figures with 11 points.
The Tigers struggled with foul trouble for much of the night, with forwards Khamari Edwards and James Rexroat being forced to the sideline at various times. Branson took advantage of their absence by getting the ball to 6’4″ forward Justin Gill, who finished with a team-high 15 points for Branson.
Republic finishes the regular season with a 23-3 record, and they wrap the Central Ozark Conference season with a record of 7-2. This is the most regular-season (pre-district) wins for Republic since the 1992-93 team went 24-1 in the regular season before capturing a district championship.
The Tigers will open district play next Wednesday at Ozark as the #3 seed against #6 Neosho.
Score by Quarters
Branson 14 8 14 7 – 43
Republic 20 13 11 22 – 66
Individual Scoring
Brenley Hagewood 27, Gunner Ellison 11, Jordan Douglas 8, Ahlante Askew 7, James Rexroat 7, Khamari Edwards 3, Ryder Davis 3