The Emery Spartans bid for a state championship appearance fell one game short with an 81-57 loss to the Richfield Wildcats Friday night in the semifinals of the 3A State Tournament at the Sevier Valley Center in Richfield.

Meeting for the third time this season, Richfield shot a stellar 70-percent from the field in the opening half. Emery failed to match the offensive explosion from the Wildcats, forcing them to take chances late defensively in the eventual loss.

Junior Brax Jensen delivered a superb performance with 12 points, eight assists, three rebounds and no turnovers in the loss. Kyson Stilson contributed ten, while Kyler Wilstead, Brodie Tuttle and Mason Faimalo all finished with nine.

As a team the Spartans shot 38-percent from the field, converting on 21-of-54 attempts throughout the game. The main struggles came from beyond the perimeter where Emery knocked down just five-of-26 shots.

Josh Thalman paced the Wildcats with a game-high 21 points to go along with six boards. Keldon Anderson recorded the game’s lone double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Emmit Hafen also found success scoring the basketball ending with 17 points.

The loss moves Emery to the consolation bracket in the third place game Saturday afternoon against the Manti Templars. The two teams have faced each other twice this season, with each winning on their own home court.

Live coverage of Saturday’s consolation game will begin on KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM at 2:45 p.m.. Tip-off will follow shortly after at 3:00. Live audio will also be available online at castlecountryradio.com.