The shots didn’t fall for most of the night, but that didn’t stop the Lady Tigers from continuing to win. Republic used tough defense, excellent ball movement, and a strong inside game in the second half to overcome Branson on the road for a 53-47 victory.
See all three game scores from tonight on our Absolute Roofing Repmo Scoretracker.
Both teams struggled with shooting accuracy in the first half, and the score was a paltry 21-21 at halftime. Republic out-played Branson in most aspects of the game during the opening minutes, but the Lady Tigers’ inability to make open shots kept the game close. Both teams turned the ball over frequently in the first half as well. Republic didn’t lead until 1:45 remaining in the second quarter, when a turnaround jumper by Molly Mason gave Republic a 21-19 advantage.
In the second half, Republic pounded the ball inside to Alaina Norman and Molly Mason. Instead of kicking the ball back out to the perimeter as they’d done in the first half, Norman and Mason turned and went to the basket. The change caught Branson off-guard, and the two Republic forwards combined for eight points in the third quarter, helping the Lady Tigers grab a 38-34 lead as the fourth quarter began.
When Branson adjusted its defense to stop Republic inside, Misora Nambara took advantage. She scored eight of her team-high 18 points in the fourth quarter, including two of her four three-pointers.
The win is Republic’s sixth in a row this season. The Lady Tigers have beaten Branson seven times in a row, dating back to 2017. The Lady Tigers improve to 13-4 overall and 2-0 in the Central Ozark Conference. Republic plays at Carthage Friday, and we will carry the game live.
Score by Quarters
Branson 14 7 13 13 – 47
Republic 12 9 17 15 – 53
Individual Scoring
Misora Nambara 18, Alaina Norman 13, Molly Blades 8, Molly Mason 8, Lanney Strong 4, Lauren Chastain 2