The Tigers fought back from a double-digit deficit to tie the game in the fourth quarter, but Class 5 #8 Hillcrest made enough free throws down the stretch to escape with a 50-47 victory in Republic on Tuesday. Republic had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer, but the Hornets shut down Republic’s three-point options, forcing Keiran Govan to take a difficult shot with a defender in his face as time expired.
Playing in front of a sparse crowd because of the weather, Republic opened strong, using an 8-0 run to build an early 12-4 lead. Keiran Govan scored six points in the opening period, and Brody Blades added five early points to spark the offense. But Hillcrest closed the gap with back-to-back three-pointers to cut the Republic advantage to 12-10 after one.
The momentum shifted in the second quarter. After an AJ Uhl bucket put Republic up 18-13, the Hornets exploded for a 15-0 run to take a 28-18 lead. Jayven Jones scored eight points in the quarter for Hillcrest, capitalizing on a scoring drought for the Tigers. Republic managed to stabilize late in the half with baskets from Slater Howard and Trenten Coleman, getting to within five points at the break, 28-23.
Republic spent the second half chipping away at the lead. Trailing 39-36 entering the fourth, the Tigers defense clamped down, allowing only nine points in the final period. With the Tigers trailing by three, Slater Howard connected on a three-pointer—his third of the night—to knot the game at 45-45 with 4:20 remaining.
Republic had a chance to take the lead after a defensive stop, but failed to capitalize. Hillcrest responded with a fast-break bucket from Kyrese Simpson to regain the lead. Simpson, who finished with 16 points, also went 4-for-6 from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter to seal the win for the Hornets.
Keiran Govan led Republic with 16 points, slashing through the defense and doing most of his damage in the paint. Jayven Jones led all scorers with 17 points for Hillcrest.
Republic shot 42% from the floor (20 of 48), while Hillcrest made 39% of its shots (17 of 44). Hillcrest made seven three pointers in 20 attempts. Republic made four in 17 attempts.
The loss drops Republic’s record to 9-6, while Hillcrest improves to 12-5. The Tigers turn around quickly to open the Liberator Tournament tomorrow at 4 p.m. in Bolivar.
**Score by Quarters**
Hillcrest 10 18 13 9 — 50
Republic 12 11 13 11 — 47
**Individual Scoring**
Keiran Govan 16, Slater Howard 9, AJ Uhl 8, Trenten Coleman 5, Brody Blades 5, Braxton Lundberg 2, Camden Dunn 2.
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