Republic struggled offensively for the second time in four days, falling to Nixa 51–39 Friday night at home. The loss was the second of the week for the Tigers, who had scored just 43 points against Ozark on Tuesday.
Still, the game remained within reach for Republic through the first three quarters. Nixa led 13–9 after the first period, but the Tigers kept the margin thin, trailing 19–18 at halftime and 34–30 entering the fourth quarter.
But Nixa pulled away in the final eight minutes, outscoring Republic 17–9. A 6–0 run by the Eagles midway through the fourth quarter stretched a seven-point lead into a 44–31 advantage, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Keiran Govan led Republic with nine points. Brody Blades and Jin Villasica each scored eight points, with both players accounting for two of the team’s six three-pointers.
Adam McKnight led all scorers with 17 points for Nixa. Randy Flint finished with 14 points, and Ty Kellis added 11 for the Eagles, who finished 14-of-24 from the free-throw line. Republic finished 3-of-8 from the stripe.
Republic returns home Tuesday to face Lebanon for Senior Night.
Score by quarters
Nixa 13 6 15 17 — 51
Republic 9 9 12 9 — 39
Individual scoring
Govan 9, Blades 8, Villasica 8, Howard 6, Uhl 6, Lundberg 2
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