TAUNTON — At this point, it has become an established fact that the MIAA’s power rankings create impeccable matchups late in the playoffs.

The Div. 5 boys basketball tournament provided the latest example. Patrick Madden (13 points) sank the game-winning layup with 3.6 seconds remaining Tuesday, as second-ranked Hopedale (22-2) punched a ticket to the state championship with a thrilling 57-56 win over No. 11 Westport.

“We were supposed to go play for a championship in 2020 when COVID shut everything down,” said Hopedale coach Tony Cordani, “So, it’s been a while. I think it was 25 years ago that we made it to the championship.”

The reality might still be sinking in for Cordani and fellow members of the Blue Raiders, but they’re back. Despite being a heavy favorite in terms of seeding, things didn’t shake out as easy as one might expect for Hopedale, as Westport (17-7) entered on a Cinderella run.

The Wildcats showed just why, essentially exchanging buckets with the Blue Raiders from the opening tip until the final buzzer. By the half, Hopedale found itself clinging to a 31-30 edge. The Blue Raiders would heat up in the third quarter, extending their lead to 50-43 entering the final frame.

However, that was when Westport flipped the script defensively, suffocating Hopedale. Meanwhile, Wildcats star Owen Boudria continued to light up the scoreboard. The sophomore drilled a series of clutch shots in the final minute, as Westport seized a 56-55 lead.

Cordani burned a timeout and drew up a play quickly for his group, in which Madden would drive from the corner.

“That’s a play we’ve gone to all year,” said Madden. “Looking for me in the corner. Obviously, I’ve got somebody playing on me tight the whole game, so, they close out pretty well. Just have to make a play. Just read the defense, take it to the hoop, and finish.”

With the season on the line, the senior guard shed his defender, drove to the hoop, and sank the winning bucket, as Hopedale players and fans erupted in pandemonium. In addition to Madden’s heroics, Hopedale was led offensively by Brayden Lewis (15 points).

Boudria had a game-high 27 points to power Westport.

“I think it’s just the trust we have for each another,” Madden said. “We’ve worked together all year, we’ve worked so hard to get here. We know what’s gotten us here, so it’s just using that brotherhood we’ve formed throughout the season. Using it paid off today.”