Senior Walt Gibler turned in a big performance recording game highs of 25 points and eight rebounds.  The 6-foot-6 forward scored 11 points in the second half and was 7-for-8 from the free throw line in the pivotal final quarter.

“No question we run things through Walt and he did a nice job tonight,” said St. Xavier head coach Scott Martin.  “I’m also proud of our guys the way they kept their composure and confidence up.”

The senior-oriented Bombers outscored Princeton 23-5 off the bench with senior Danny Whelan contributing 14 points in 12 minutes of action. 

Senior guard Brad Loesing was the other double figure scorer with 16 points, adding seven rebounds and five assists in a solid all-around performance.

The game was a back-and-forth affair through the first three quarters.  The first half featured eight lead changes and five ties as the Bombers led 34-29 at halftime, ending the half on a 7-0 run.  The Vikings were hot in the first half shooting 60 percent from the field including 4-of-6 from 3-point range.

With senior guard Orlando Williams dropping in 11 points in the third quarter including 3-of-3 from 3-point range, the Vikings stayed within striking distance.  Williams scored 20 points in a big second half performance and ended the game with a team-high 24 points.  Marquis Horne added 13 points for Princeton.

St. Xavier out-rebounded Princeton 29-18 for the game and shot 47.8 percent from the field for the game.  The Bombers were 20-of-24 from the free throw line.

The Bombers, who lost to Moeller in last year’s state title game, have won 18 of their last 19 games and will face Withrow for the second straight year on Saturday at 11 a.m. for a shot at returning to the Final Four on the line.  The Bombers defeated the Tigers last year in the regional final 49-48.

“Anytime you make it to the Elite Eight you have to feel good about that,” said Martin.  “We have two days to practice and get ready and we’ll work at getting better.”