WATCH: Warriors Come Back From Down 20; Will Play For State Title

WOBURN, MA — A comeback from 20 points down may seem improbable but don't tell that to the Foxborough High School girls' basketball team.

The Warriors overcame the large deficit to beat Pentucket 58-54 in Wednesday night's MIAA Division 2 state semi-final at Woburn High School. The team advances to their first state final since 2003, where they will face Hopkinton at the Mass. Mutual Center Saturday at 11 a.m.

A complete turnaround by Ashley Sampson and improvements in outside shooting brought the Warriors across the finish line. Sampson scored 22 points, all which came in the second half and 20 came in the fourth quarter and overtime.

Foxborough was down 34-14 in the third quarter when they went on a 24-6 run to get to within two late in the fourth quarter. Lily Sykes netted three outside shots during the run, including a three to open the fourth quarter and cut the deficit from 10 to seven. Sykes' next two baskets cut the lead to five and then two with 3:51 remaining in regulation.

Jenny Hurley's three-pointer for Pentucket with 1:15 left in the quarter temporarily gave the Sachems some space with a five-point lead, but Sampson converted on a three-point play and a layup with 2.6 seconds left in the fourth sent the game to an extra period.

Sampson started overtime with a pair of three-pointers that put the Warriors up 49-45 and a drive with 1:20 left to maintain a four-point lead. Successful trips to the free throw line preserved the lead and completed the comeback.

On the defensive side of the ball, a switch to a zone defense caused struggles for Pentucket. Players like Casey Hunt, who drove to the basket and drew fouls with ease, had trouble penetrating the Foxborough defense during much of the second half.

Sykes finished the game with 16 points for Foxborough. Hunt had 19 points for Pentucket and Hurley had 15 points.

The state final will be the third time the Warriors and Hillers have met this season. Foxborough took the first meeting 52-38 in December and Hopkinton walked away with a 55-54 victory the following month.

Below are game tweets from Foxborough Patch and highlights from Foxboro Cable Access:

Photos by Dan Libon