No. 6 Hopkinton 49, No. 11 Belmont 41
Key players: Hopkinton – Kevin Newton-Delgado (23 points), Michael Baer (9 points), Caleb Yianakopolos (7 points), Tyler Allen (6 points) Belmont – Aidan Rupp (13 points), Griffin Embree (7 points), Keith Landry (6 points), Nate Sottak (5 points)
Highlights: Hopkinton held a one-point lead at the end of the first and the two sides stayed even in the second quarter as the Hawks went into the break still ahead by one. A hard-fought third quarter didn’t swing the game either way, but Hopkinton’s fourth quarter did. The Hawks outscored the Raiders, 18-11, in the final frame to seal the win in the opening round. Belmont took its only lead of the second half with seconds left in the third quarter, only to have Newton-Delgado hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to take that lead right back heading into the fourth.
Coach’s quote: “Our defense was the difference tonight as we held them to nine, nine, 12 and 11 points, respectively, for the quarters. Anytime you play great defense, you always have a chance. I couldn’t be more proud of how disciplined they played tonight. They executed the game plan which created opportunities on offense and stifled Belmont’s offense.” – Hopkinton’s Stephen Signor
Records: Hopkinton 13-6; Belmont 10-9