After the heartbreaking loss against Richfield last week, Emery was back on the hardwood in Manti on Wednesday evening. Although the Spartans fell in an early hole and trailed most of the first quarter, they fought their way back into the game. Kyson Stilson hit a three to obtain Emery’s first lead of the night, 21-20. But, Manti responded with a pair of points to end the opening period up 22-21.
The Spartans remained on the prowl and held the Templars to just five points in the second quarter. This aided the Spartans in taking a 33-27 lead into halftime. Winner of its last five games, Manti came out swinging in the second half. Emery held Manti off with a few counter punches in the third period but received several body blows as the Templars gained ground. Going into the last quarter of play with a 52-50 edge, the Spartans went toe to toe with the Templars down the stretch. With seconds left in the game, and the Spartans up by two, Brax Jensen was fouled and went to the line shooting a one-and-one. Jensen made the front end of the one-and-one but missed the second. Manti grabbed the rebound and threw up a shot just passed half court that went in to force overtime.
The late losses continued for the Spartans as it was all Manti in the extra period. Emery fell to a streaking Manti team, 85-76.
Stilson had another great shooting night, toping 40 points for the third time this season. He went 75% from the field on his 24 attempts, including 50% from three-point land for 42 points. Jensen reached double-digits with 14 points and added eight assists and five steals on the night. The Spartans shot the ball well in the contest with a 47% field goal percentage but had 15 turnovers, which proved to be costly.
Emery (12-6, 4-5 Region 15) will be home in the Spartan Center for its next match looking to rebound. They will host a struggling North Sanpete Hawks team (4-15, 0-9 Region 15) at 7 p.m. on Friday evening. The game will be broadcast live online and on ETV Channel 10.