The semifinal night of the 2024 Blue and Gold Tournament promises to be just as exhilarating as the quarterfinals. An unseeded team, Bolivar, has made history by defeating top-seeded Nixa for the first time in two decades. Meanwhile, Republic dominated Willard in a convincing victory, setting the stage for an intense championship weekend. All four semifinal games took place at Great Southern Bank Arena on Missouri State’s campus, with live updates providing thrilling play-by-play action throughout the evening.
Bolivar's Historic Run to the Championship
An unseeded team making it to the finals is a rare occurrence, but Bolivar achieved this remarkable feat on Saturday night. The Liberators overcame fifth-seeded Greenwood in a nail-biting 52-46 victory, securing their spot in Monday's Gold Division championship. This win marks the first time since 2016 that an unseeded team has advanced to the title game. The crowd was on edge as Bolivar fought back from a significant deficit to clinch the victory.
Bolivar's journey to the championship was nothing short of spectacular. After falling behind by 19 points in the second quarter, they mounted an impressive comeback, ending the half on a 12-0 run. Collin Clark led the charge with 17 points, while Gardner Casey and Matthew Giglio provided crucial support. In the final moments, Brody Ingold and Collin Clark sealed the deal with timely baskets and free throws. The Liberators' resilience and teamwork were evident as they outscored Greenwood in the fourth quarter, ultimately winning by six points. Their historic run sets up an exciting matchup for the championship.
Republic's Dominance Over Willard
In another semifinal matchup, Republic demonstrated their championship aspirations by easily defeating Willard. By halftime, the Tigers had built a substantial lead, thanks to a strong defensive performance and key contributions from Brenley Hagewood. Republic's ability to limit Willard's scoring opportunities showcased their readiness for the championship. The team responded well to their overtime scare against West Plains in the previous night's quarterfinal.
The Republic Tigers wasted no time asserting their dominance. By the end of the first half, they had secured a commanding 44-21 lead. Brenley Hagewood's exceptional performance and the team's solid defense played pivotal roles in limiting Willard to just four points in the second quarter. Republic's offense remained relentless, ensuring they maintained control throughout the game. With such a convincing victory, the orange Tigers appear poised to challenge for the championship title. Their performance highlighted not only their skill but also their mental toughness, which will be crucial in the upcoming final.