The Saints were up by 19 points heading into the 4th quarter when the Benedictine Cadets launched a comeback.

Yet the Saints had distanced themselves enough from the Cadets that late efforts were not enough in a 63-61 victory Thursday.

Sophomore Sonny Bridges '25 poured in 20 points, a game- and career-high, and junior Brandon Jennings 24' scored 14 points with five rebounds and four assists, and senior Zach Murphy 23' scored 9 points.

The Saints committed 14 turnovers, which helped the Cadets shrink the lead. However, the Saints shot impressive 46.7% percent from distance and were up 16 by only the end of the 1st quarter.

An excellent start early combined with efficient outside shooting was too much for Benedictine in the Douglas Freeman Invitational Semifinal. The Saints have earned a trip to the finals where they will face the Steward Spartans, who edged out the Varina Blue Devils in their semifinal match, on Friday night at Douglas Freeman High School at 8 pm for the Freeman Basketball Invitational Championship.