LINCOLN – North Bend Central will have the chance to defend their three straight tiles in the Class C1 championship game after knocking off Malcolm 48-42 in a thriller.

The Tigers outscored the clippers 16-4 in the third quarter, and despite a comeback attempt from Malcolm in the final period, the Tigers held on with key free throws down the stretch from Lindsey Emanuel.

The Tigers have won the Class C1 title the last three years running, (2020, 2021, 2022) and will be looking for their 6th overall state title.

Watch highlights in the video above.

NBC (25-1) 12 8 16 12 - 48

Malcolm (21-5) 13 7 4 18 – 42

SCORING

NBC: Kaitlyn Emanuel-20, Lindsey Emanuel-16, Madison Bishop-8, Lauren Sterup-4

Malcolm: Halle Dolliver-25, Diamond Sedlak-11, Madison Schultz-3, Emma Brown-3