LINCOLN — Kaitlyn Emanuel scored 26 points and #2 North Bend Central took down #7 Malcolm 61-49 Monday afternoon at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.

Emanuel set the tone early for the back-to-back defending champs. The junior hit an early three-pointer and tallied nine first-quarter points to give the Tigers the lead. They led the remainder of the game en route to the program’s third-straight semifinals appearance.

Alyssa Fortik worked hard to keep the Clippers in the game. The 5-foot-3 sharpshooter nailed four three-pointers and scored 24 points for Malcolm. It’s the second-straight season the Clippers have gone down in the opening round.

North Bend Central advances to face the winner of #3 Grand Island Central Catholic vs. #6 St. Paul. That game will be at 10:45 Wednesday morning at Pinnacle Bank Arena. You can watch the game on News Channel Nebraska TV.

NORTH BEND CENTRAL (25-2)… 17, 16, 11, 17 = 61

MALCOLM (20-7)…………………….. 11, 11, 13, 14 = 49

NBC: K. Emanuel 26, S. Emanuel 13, L. Emanuel 8, Bourek 6, Bishop 4, Cleveringa 4

Malcolm: Fortik 24, Brown 15, Wondercheck 8, Sedlak 2