Ahlante Askew tries to grab the ball away from Ozark’s Jace Whatley as Isaian Nabors looks on. (by Steve Rackley)

Rebound Advantage Lifts Ozark to Upset

Republic did a lot of little things right in winning 20 of its first 22 games this season. At times, it seemed the Tigers did just as many things wrong in a single night at Ozark Tuesday. Ozark dominated around the basket most of the game, shut down Republic’s powerful offense, and took advantage of poor shooting by Republic to pull off a 60-47 upset, handing Republic its third loss of the season.

From the start, Republic struggled to close off the boards against a larger Ozark lineup. Ozark took advantage of second and third opportunities to build an 18-11 lead by the end of the first quarter. The second quarter was even more lopsided, as Ozark continued to score while shutting down the passing lanes on Republic’s offensive end of the floor. By halftime, Republic trailed 39-21. Ozark scored 11 of its 39 first-half points after a missed shot and an offensive rebound.

Ozark junior Jace Whatley led his team’s second-quarter surge, scoring 12 points during that eight-minute stretch. At one point, Ozark went on a 15-1 run to take charge, thanks largely to its advantage on the boards. At the other end of the floor, Ozark’s changing defenses took away Republic’s ability to get into a rhythm, shutting down the dribble penetration of Ahlante Askew and Brenley Hagewood that plays such a big role in Republic’s success.

Ozark eventually increased its lead to 23 points early in the third quarter before Republic managed to make a run. After trailing 46-23 around the midpoint of the third quarter, Republic outscored Ozark 17-4 over about a seven-minute stretch. That closed the gap to 50-40, but that’s as close as Republic would get the rest of the night.

Perhaps the most surprising part of the second-half comeback is that Republic managed to cut 13 points off Ozark’s lead without making a single three-point shot. The Tigers had only two three-pointers all night, both in the first half. James Rexroat and Jordan Douglas each made one, while the rest of the Republic guard contingent came up empty from long range.

Askew led Republic with 18 points, and Hagewood had 15.

The loss drops Republic top 20-3 overall, and 5-2 in the COC. Ozark is 10-13 and 3-3.

Republic will be back in action Friday against Neosho. The Tigers will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the 1963 state championship and the tenth anniversary of the 2013 state championship with a reception and a ceremony before the varsity game.

Score by Quarters
Republic 11 10 12 14 – 47
Ozark 18 21 11 10 – 60

Individual Scoring
Ahlante Askew 18, Brenley Hagewood 15, James Rexroat 7, Jordan Douglas 3, Gunner Ellison 2, Aslan Ebisch 2

REPMO DIGEST

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