(KLZA)-- The Falls City Tigers have earned a trip to the Class C-1 Boys State basketball tournament with a hard-fought 50-48 win over the Boys Town Cowboys.

The Tigers jumped to an 11-2 lead Monday night before the Cowboys were able to right their ship and make it an exciting game before a packed house at Nebraska City High School. 

The game was tied four times and had a pair of lead changes in the 4th quarter. 

The Tigers got the ball to senior Weston Witt after a timeout with 9 seconds left. Witt hit what proved to be the game winner with 1.9-seconds left to give the Tigers the win. Witt finished the game with 19 points, seven of them coming in the fourth quarter.

Jack Hartman and Kyle Leafty had 10 each for Falls City. 

 Coach Don Hogue said it was important to keep battling after missing some gimme’s in the paint in the first half. 

The Tigers also had key contributions from sophomore Kyle Leafty and freshman Brandt Chapple. Coach Hogue praised the poise of his youngsters who were key contributors to the District Title win. 

Falls City will make the trip to the State Tournament for the second consecutive season. It is the first time Falls City has went in back-to-back seasons since the 1940 and 1941 seasons.  

Falls City will play their opening round game at the Devaney Sports Center on Thursday, March 12.  You can hear all of the Tiger State Tournament action on SUNNY 101.3.