Republic led from the opening tip and never let Central into the game, building an early lead and cruising to a 65–21 win Wednesday night.
The Lady Tigers scored the first 20 points of the game, holding Central scoreless through the entire first quarter and into the second. It took several minutes for Central to get the ball past Republic’s perimeter pressure and get a shot off. Republic led 18–0 after one quarter and 40–6 at halftime.
Republic’s offense consistently generated shots in the paint and trips to the free-throw line, offsetting a difficult night from three-point range. The Lady Tigers shot 5-for-26 from beyond the arc (19 percent), but finished 19-for-33 on two-point attempts (58 percent) and 12-for-14 at the free-throw line (86 percent).
Cora Cutbirth controlled the interior throughout the night, scoring repeatedly on finishes in the paint and drawing fouls. She scored eight points in the second quarter alone as Republic extended its lead past 30 before halftime.
Republic continued to add to the margin in the third quarter, outscoring Central 23–8. Awbree Berning scored on consecutive possessions early in the period, then added a three-pointer later in the quarter. The Lady Tigers led 63–14 late in the third before Central closed the quarter with a short run.
With the game decided, Republic scored two points in the fourth quarter as Central finished on a 7–0 run.
Cutbirth led Republic with 18 points, shooting 6-for-9 from the field and 6-for-6 at the free-throw line. Gilmore scored 13 points and Berning added 11.
Republic improves to 13-3. The Lady Tigers are back in action at home on February 2 against Glendale.
Score by Quarters
Central 0–6–8–7—21
Republic 18–22–23–2—65
Scoring Summary
Cora Cutbirth 18, Paelyn Gilmore 13, Awbree Berning 11, Kinley Kilburn 8, Addie Brown 6, Chloe Pullan 5, Josie Stalzer 4
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