Top-ranked Saint Xavier leaned on its defense, composure, and late execution to pull away from a stubborn North Oldham squad, earning a 57–47 victory Saturday night in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Gardner Law King of the Bluegrass.
The win marked Saint Xavier’s sixth straight KOB victory and sent the Tigers to the semifinals for the second consecutive season.
North Oldham came out with confidence and energy, racing to an 18–9 lead after the opening quarter behind crisp ball movement and perimeter shooting. Tommy Gregg fueled the early surge, knocking down multiple threes as the Mustangs seized control and put the Tigers on their heels.
Saint Xavier gradually steadied itself in the second quarter, chipping away at the deficit with defensive stops and second-chance opportunities. A late three just before halftime swung momentum, allowing the Tigers to slip into the break with a narrow 28–27 lead after trailing by as many as 13 points.
The third quarter belonged to Saint Xavier. The Tigers tightened defensively, limited North Oldham’s clean looks, and turned rebounds into transition chances. Jeremiah Jackson was at the center of the surge, finishing through contact and controlling the glass as Saint Xavier built a nine-point cushion entering the fourth.
North Oldham made one final push early in the final period, closing within four, but the Tigers answered every challenge. Jackson dominated the closing minutes, scoring inside, drawing fouls, and converting at the free-throw line to seal the outcome. Saint Xavier was perfect at the line in the final frame, shutting the door on any comeback hopes.
Jeremiah Jackson earned Central Bank Player of the Game honors after posting 17 points and 10 rebounds, delivering a physical and poised performance when it mattered most. Saint Xavier’s defense set the tone throughout, forcing turnovers and controlling the tempo in the second half.
Tommy Gregg led North Oldham with 15 points, providing steady offense throughout the night, but after a strong opening quarter the Mustangs struggled to maintain their rhythm as Saint Xavier’s pressure mounted.
With the win, Saint Xavier continues its march toward a second straight KOB title. The Tigers will face Madison Central at 7:30pm Sunday in the semifinals. North Oldham will face host Fairdale at 6:00pm Sunday in the 5th Place semifinals.
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