Republic survived a fourth-quarter rally by Aurora to earn its second win of the season Tuesday, 41-37. The Lady Tigers led by 11 points early in the third quarter before Aurora stormed back to tie the game at 37-37 late in the fourth.
Cora Cutbirth’s driving basket in the final minute gave Republic a 39-37 lead. The Lady Tigers sealed the win by stealing Aurora’s inbound pass and scoring at the buzzer.
Republic’s work on the boards was a crucial part of the win, with the Lady Tigers nabbing 10 offensive rebounds.
“These girls have played with me for several years and is something that they know is an expectation,” said Republic coach Tori Mooneyham. “If we can bring down ten offensive rebounds, that’s ten more possessions.”
Those extra possessions proved crucial in a tight game. Republic held Aurora to four offensive rebounds.
“We’re always trying to find ways to change the game and we can do that with rebounding,” Mooneyham said. “I tell the kids, you don’t have to be talented to rebound, you just have to work hard.”
Lanney Strong led Republic with 14 points. Cutbirth added 11. Josie Stalzer and Awbree Berning scored six points each, while Sammi Watson and Annabelle Gerhardt-Hobbs had two apiece.
For Aurora, Kylee Cole led all scorers with 18 points. Nadia Davis scored seven, Jaelyn Ernest had five, Makena Hall scored four, and Brooke Blevins added three.
The win improved Republic’s record to 2-5.
Score by Quarters
Republic 8-9-18-6-41
Aurora 3-17-11-6-37
Republic Scoring
Lanney Strong 14, Cora Cutbirth 11, Josie Stalzer 6, Awbree Berning 6, Sammi Watson 2, Annabelle Gerhardt-Hobbs 2
Aurora Scoring
Kylee Cole 18, Nadia Davis 7, Jaelyn Ernest 5, Makena Hall 4, Brooke Blevins 3
