Republic bounced back from a season-opening loss with a dominant defensive performance over the middle two quarters Friday, pulling away for a 69-43 win over Capital City. AJ Uhl scored a game-high 26 points and Brody Blades added 19 as the Tigers erased an early deficit to even their record at 1-1.
Capital City jumped out to a quick start, using an 8-0 run in the first quarter to take an early 8-1 lead. Republic stabilized late in the period behind buckets from Uhl and Blades, cutting the gap to 13-11 entering the second quarter.
That is when the Tigers took control. Slater Howard triggered the momentum swing with back-to-back 3-pointers to open the second period, turning a two-point deficit into a 17-13 lead. Republic’s defense clamped down from there, holding the Cavaliers to just six points in the quarter.
Leading 19-15 midway through the second, Republic rattled off an 11-0 run to blow the game open. Uhl scored inside and Blades added five points during the stretch, helping the Tigers take a 32-19 lead into halftime.
Republic continued to suffocate the Capital City offense in the third quarter, allowing just nine points. Meanwhile, the offense continued to flow. Uhl scored 11 points in the first, but did much of his damage in the second half, finishing with 10 two-point field goals on the night. Blades provided the perimeter threat, knocking down four 3-pointers to finish with 19.
The Tigers led 51-28 after three quarters and cruised through the fourth.
Uhl’s 26 points led all scorers. He was efficient around the rim and added a 3-pointer and three free throws. Blades finished with 19, and Slater Howard added nine points on three 3-pointers.
Capital City was led by Grady Payton with 12 points.
Republic improves to 1-1. The Tigers return to the court Saturday to face Ozark. Tipoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m., and the game will be broadcast live on the Republic Tiger Sports YouTube channel.
Score by Quarters
Capital City 13 6 9 15 — 43
Republic 11 21 19 18 — 69
Individual Scoring
A. Uhl 26, B. Blades 19, S. Howard 9, K. Govan 4, J. Villasica 4, T. Coleman 3, B. Lundberg 2, G. Fleetwood 2.
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