LINCOLN — Milford built a big lead and made plays in the final minutes to overcome a comeback effort by Minden 67-61 on Friday.

The win puts the Eagles in the state title game for the first time in program history.

The Eagles were the first aggressor in the game and built an 8-2 lead. The Whippets worked back into the game through the free throw line and led by eight going to the second quarter. That’s when the tide shifted. Milford outscored Minden 27-7 in the quarter and held a 39-27 advantage at half.

Milford’s offensive explosion was remarkable. Minden hadn’t allowed more than 39 points in a game over the last month.

The Eagles led by 15 going to the fourth quarter but the lead didn’t hold. The Whippets repeatedly trimmed the deficit to five but never got closer. Milford struggled to put the game away at the free throw line but eventually used a pair of final-minute steals to seal the win.

Minden will play Gothenburg for the third time in the season on Saturday in the consolation game. Milford will play Lincoln Christian for the Class C-1 championship.

Milford… 12, 27, 15, 13 = 67

Minden… 20, 7, 15, 19 = 61

Milford: Yeackley 16, Rautenberg 14, Miller 14, Roth 13, Crabtree 7, Oldfield 3

Minden: Emery 18, Kamery 16, Starkey 13, Land 9, Betty 5