The Hopkinton Hillers fell just short in the semi-finals of the 23rd annual Westborough Girls Basketball Invitational, losing a tight contest to Millbury, 42-38. The Hillers battled a tough Millbury Woolies squad throughout and had chances late, but a massive game-winning shot from Millbury’s Mari Nikiforow with eight seconds remaining proved decisive.
Hopkinton played with energy and cohesion for much of the night, pushing the ball and working to find consistent looks inside and out. The Hillers kept the game within reach through timely defensive stands and balanced scoring, but could not recover after the late Woolies burst. Millbury will advance to face the Medway Mustangs tomorrow at 6:15 p.m. for the tournament final.
For Hopkinton, the loss ends a strong regular season with a 13-5 record and a berth in the MIAA D1 playoffs. The Hillers enter the postseason as the No. 15 seed in D1 and appear poised to improve on last year’s first-round exit as they seek their first playoff win. With the D1 bracket expected to be released soon, Hopkinton will learn its Round of 32 opponent and will use the remainder of the week to sharpen execution and finish plays more consistently as it prepares for postseason play.
