HUTTO — The Hutto Hippos varsity basketball team fell 77-64 to Copperas Cove on Tuesday, Nov. 18, despite a strong firsthalf showing.
The game opened back and forth, with the teams tied at 9 before senior guard Malachi Hilby knocked down a three-pointer to give Hutto a 12-9 lead with 2:36 left in the first quarter. Copperas Cove tied the game at 14, but Hilby responded again, converting a fast-break layup to put the Hippos back in front 16-14 with 1:20 remaining.
The Bulldogs regained the lead at 27-25 early in the second quarter, but Hilby continued his strong night with another three-pointer to swing the advantage back to Hutto at 28-27. The Hippos built their largest lead moments later, stretching the margin to 34-29 on a transition layup by Brian Caldwell with 3:30 left in the half.
Momentum shifted shortly after, as Copperas Cove closed the half and opened the third quarter on a decisive 17-4 run, taking a 46-38 lead that Hutto was unable to erase.
The Bulldogs pushed the margin to 60-43 late in the third as the Hippos struggled to find consistent offense.
Caldwell and Nicholas Valdez added late baskets to trim the deficit to 68-52, but Copperas Cove maintained control down the stretch to secure the double-digit win.
Hilby once again led the way for Hutto and continues to be a bright spot early in the season. The Hippos will look to bounce back Friday when they face Hendrickson.
Hutto Hippos senior guard Malachi Hilby led the team offensively in a 77-64 loss to Copperas Cove. Photo by Tim Walter
