The Republic Lady Tigers cut a 2nd-half deficit from 12 points to 3, but ended up falling short in their comeback bid at Ozark, 45-41.
The Lady Tigers struggled offensively and fell behind Ozark early. They trailed 15-4 after one quarter.
In the 2nd quarter, Sarah Kreul established herself inside for Republic. She had nine points at halftime, and the Lady Tigers closed the gap to 21-16.
In the 3rd quarter, Ozark began to take advantage of its height inside, pounding it into the block to 6’0″ sophomore Melanie Williams. She ended with 14 points, and helped Ozark extend its 3rd quarter lead to 37-29.
In the 4th quarter, Republic let Ozark take a 12-point lead before whittling it down to 3, but they never got any closer. A late free throw by Brianna Justis put the game away for Ozark.
Kreul, Kyra Ramsey and Courtney Gardner each had 11 points for Republic, which falls to 10-13. Ozark improves to 17-9.