Republic overcame a seven-point deficit in the final six minutes to top Nixa on its home court in the semifinals of the Nixa Invitational Tournament, 55-53. Misora Nambara scored 21 points, including two free throws in the final minute to put the Lady Tigers on top for good.
Early in the fourth quarter, it looked like Nixa would defend its home court. When the Lady Eagles opened the quarter with a bucket, it put their lead at six, 43-37. With 5:30 remaining, the score was 49-42 Nixa, but Republic went to work.
Molly Blades made a 24-footer to cut the lead to 49-45. Nambara followed that up with another three that made the score 49-48 with 4:05 remaining. An Alex Price jumper in the lane gave the Lady Tigers the lead with 3:18 remaining, 50-49.
Nixa took the lead again with a three-pointer, but a running one-handed shot by Blades in the lane tied the score at 52. A Nixa free throw gave the Lady Eagles a one-point edge again with 1:27 remaining in the game.
With 37 seconds left, Molly Mason made one of the biggest plays of the game after a Republic turnover. Before Nixa could clear the ball into its front court, Mason reached in to poke the ball away and get it back for Republic. Nambara was fouled on the resulting fast break and made both free throws to give the Lady Tigers a lead they would not relinquish, 54-53.
After a miss by Nixa on the next possession, Molly Blades grabbed a rebound and got fouled. She made one of two free throws with 4.7 seconds left, and a 30-foot desperation shot by Nixa at the buzzer was off the mark.
Republic improves to 10-4 with the win. The Lady Tigers advance to the tournament championship game Saturday at 3:30 against Marshfield. The Lady Jays beat Fair Grove 56-49.
Score by Quarters
Nixa 12 15 14 12 – 53
Republic 13 13 11 18 – 55
Individual Scoring
Misora Nambara 21, Molly Blades 16, Alex Price 7, Lauren Chastain 3, Lanney Strong 3, Molly Mason 3, Alaina Norman 2
