Republic scored 18 points in the first quarter to grab a big early lead, but managed only 23 points the rest of the night in an upset loss at Carthage, 60-41. Carthage’s Justin Ray scored 24 points, and Carthage made eight three-pointers to run away from Republic.
Republic held a significant size advantage over Carthage, whose tallest starter is 6’2″. In the first quarter, Republic capitalized on that advantage. Forwards James Rexroat and Davin Parks played off one another with help from the guards, combining for 15 points as Republic bolted to an 18-9 lead at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Carthage’s Justin Ray lit up the Tigers for 11 points, including three three-pointers. He finished the half with 18, and Carthage outscored Republic 22-2 over the eight-minute span. After dominating the paint during the first quarter, Republic got only one bucket from guard Aslan Ebisch in the second.
Republic was playing without leading scorer Brenley Hagewood because of illness. In addition to missing his point production, the Tigers couldn’t find a rhythm after the opening quarter. Rexroat finished with 14 and Aslan Ebisch had 10 points to lead the Tigers. Parks scored all eight of his points in the first quarter.
Republic closed the margin to single digits at 34-25 early in the third quarter, but Carthage answered with four points in a row and the score was never that close again.
Carthage improves to 12-6 (2-1 in conference play). Republic falls to 12-8 (2-1). The Tigers will host Nixa next Tuesday.
Score by Quarters
Carthage 9 22 12 17 – 60
Republic 18 2 13 8 – 41
Individual Scoring
James Rexroat 14, Aslan Ebisch 10, Davin Parks 8, Ryder Davis 3, Jordan Douglas 3, Keiran Govan 3