Big second quarter lifts Lincoln Christian past Gothenburg in Class C1 semifinals
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The No. 1-seeded Lincoln Christian girl’s basketball team won its semifinal matchup Friday morning, downing Gothenburg 64-51 in the Class C1 state tournament at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
The Crusaders boasted a huge second quarter to aid their victory, outscoring the Swedes 22-4 in the period.
Gothenburg tried to put together a late comeback effort, but Lincoln Christian went on an 8-0 run in the final 2 minutes to solidify its win.
SEE ALSO: Scores from day three of Nebraska girls state basketball
The Crusaders shot 43% from the floor and 38% from behind the arc, while the Swedes shot 41% from the floor and only 15% from deep. Gothenburg only hit 38% of its free throws.
Lincoln Christian significantly outrebounded Gothenburg 40 to 26, but the Swedes racked up 10 more points in the paint.
Senior guard Mattea Kassebaum paced the Crusaders with 22 points on 8-for-19 shooting while also grabbing six rebounds.
In the fourth quarter, Kassebaum erupted for 14 points and only missed one shot.
With her 22-point outing, Kassebaum broke the school’s single-season scoring record.
4th quarter @kassebaum323 !!!!
Mattea Kassebaum broke the school’s single-season scoring record with a 22 points showing in @LCS_GBB state semifinal game.
She had 14 of those 22 in the 4th, shooting 5-6 from the field in the final period. @Channel8ABC @Linc_Christian… pic.twitter.com/Eu8ob0o7dA
— Nate Johnson (@n8_johnson_) March 7, 2025
Samantha Dearking and Maci Pittenger each tallied 12 points and four rebounds for Lincoln Christian, while senior center Kena Ailes posted a double-double with 10 points and 20 rebounds.
Gothenburg was led by Alex Beveridge with 19 points on 8-for-16 shooting and eight boards, while Halsey Thomalla tallied 16 points.
Lincoln Christian will look to complete its undefeated season in the Class C1 state championship against Milford on Saturday at 11 a.m. at PBA.
