Republic almost dug its way out of a nine-point hole in the fourth quarter, but couldn’t get over the hump in a 57-51 loss to Rogers, Ark., to open the season in the first round of the Republic Invitational. The Tigers got to within a point of Rogers with just over two minutes remaining, but never managed to take the lead.
The Tigers got off to a fast start with the help of sophomore Rylee Tan, who scored eight points in the first quarter in his first varsity start. Republic led 13-12 at the end of the first period. But Rogers turned things around in the second quarter, holding the Tigers to single-digit scoring, outscoring Republic 14-9 and taking a 26-22 lead at the half.
Another Rogers run late in the third quarter pushed the lead to its biggest of the night, at nine points, 46-37, as the fourth quarter started. But Republic opened the fourth quarter with solid defense to fight their way back into the game. The Tigers drew charging fouls on three consecutive possessions — one by Brenley Hagewood and two by Jordan Douglas. At the other end of the floor, a put-back by Davin Parks and a fast-break layup by Owen Fry, followed by a baseline jumper by Hagewood, made the score 46-43. Republic had two three-point attempts that would have tied the game, but missed both.
Hagewood eventually got the Tigers to within a single point at 49-48 with 2:30 remaining, and Republic got a defensive stop at the other end of the floor. But Hagewood was called for a charge on the ensuing possession, and Republic was hit with a technical foul away from the ball, and that was as close as Republic would be the rest of the night.
Hagewood led Republic with 19 points. Jordan Douglas had 12 points on four three-pointers. Tan finished with 11 to join Hagewood and Douglas in double figures.
Republic falls to 0-1. The Tigers will play Rolla, who lost to Liberty 61-50 in their opening-round game, Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
Score by Quarters
Rogers 12 14 20 11 – 57
Republic 13 9 15 14 – 51
Individual Scoring
Brenley Hagewood 19, Jordan Douglas 12, Rylee Tan 11, Davin Parks 4, Aslan Ebisch 3, Owen Fry 2
