BELLEVILLE – Republic County jumped out to a 14-10 lead after the first period, but Lyons found itsoffense in the second quarter and came back to beat Republic County 50-46.
The Lions outscored the Buffaloes 16-4 in the second quarter. With 1 second remaining in the half, Lyons was able to lob a pass right in front of the rim to Tegan Link for the basket to give Lyons the 26-18 halftime lead. Lyons had a 10-point advantage early in the third before Republic County cut into the lead as Lyons closed with a 38-32 advantage to end the third period. Both teams matched baskets for most of the period as the Buffaloes closed to within three points at 49-46 before Paco Espinoza hit a free throw with 15.6 seconds remaining to secure the win.
Lyons had two players in double figures as Paco Espinoza also had 17 points and 4 rebounds. Tegan Link finished with 12 points and 5 rebounds. Detrell Stanley had nine points, hitting a big 3-point shot in the 4th quarter. Derek Alvidrez had another good game off the bench with eight points and five rebounds.
Lyons moves to 5-6 on the season and 2-4 in the NCAA league. Lyons will play in the Sterling Invitational Tournament on Tuesday as the boys will open with Scott City at 3 p.m. at Sterling College.
Republic County girls 56, Lyons 35 – It was a back-and-forth game, as Lyons and Republic County traded baskets throughout the first half. Republic County went to halftime with a slim two-point lead, 24-23. Coming out in the second half, Republic County turned up the defense and held the Lady Lions to only 12 points.
The Buffaloes were led in scoring by Kylie Stone, who had a strong all-around game as she had a double-double with a game-high 26 points and 13 rebounds. The Buffaloes had balanced scoring support for Stone as Makenzie Banahan and Addison Couture each had eight points,
Leading the way for Lyons was Hayden Linden, who had a career-high 12 points and led the Lions with nine rebounds.
Republic County is now 3-8 on the season and1-6 in league play. Lyons drops to 1-10 on the season and 0-6 in the league.
