LINCOLN - In one of the best games of the day, the #3 Concordia Mustangs move on to the Class C1 semifinals after taking down the #6 Sidney Red Raiders, 49-45.

The first quarter was quiet in terms of offense, staying scoreless until Concordia broke through with a bucket at the five minute mark. Sidney answered back and found a rhythm, taking a 9-4 lead after one.

Concordia caught fire in the second quarter, going on a 16-9 run to take a two-point lead.

The Red Raiders and Mustangs stayed at each others hip in the third quarter, trading six different leads in the quarter. Sidney knocked down two major three's by the hands of Landon Riddle and Keian Kaiser to give them a four-point cushion, leading 38-34 into the fourth quarter.

With under four minutes in the game, Sidney clung to a 42-41 lead after a clutch bucket by Concordia's Drew Kulus. Alek Doty would then extend the Red Raider lead with yet another three.

After two made free throws from Jackson Thrasher, the Mustangs trailed by two points with possession and under one minute in the contest. Drew Kulus squared up and knocked down a three pointer to give the Mustangs a 46-45 advantage with just 40 seconds left.

A Sidney travel gave Concordia the ball back and a foul with 25 seconds left put Jackson Sheperd on the line, where he went 1-2 shooting.

The Red Raiders controlled the ball with 18.6 seconds in the game, trailing by two points with an opportunity for a final possession.

After three chances, the Red Raiders were unable to hit the late shot and with two seconds left, Jackson Thrasher ended the game with a pair of made free throws, giving the Mustangs a 49-45 victory.

#3 Omaha Concordia will play #7 Doniphan-Trumbull on Friday at 10:45 AM at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln.

BOX SCORE:

Concordia (21-4): 4 16 14 15 - 49

Sidney (18-8): 9 9 20 7 - 45

SCORING:

Concordia: Andrew Kulus-18, Jackson Thrasher-14, Owen Abendroth-9, Jackson Sheperd-6, Cole Cheatham-2

Sidney: Alek Doty-15, Keian Kaiser-14, Landon Riddle-9, Kash Knobbe-5, Lance Holly-2