Senior Brax Jensen scored a game-high 28 points to help No. 4 Emery defeat No. 3 San Juan 63-58 Friday night at the Spartan Center in Castle Dale.
Battling for sole possession of second place within the Region 12 division, the back and forth affair featured multiple lead changes throughout. Despite a late run by San Juan, the Spartans managed to secure their fourth victory overall and move to 3-1 in division play.
“I’ve been hyped all week for this game,” said Jensen following the win. “When I saw they were go to get up in me defensively I decided to drive and let the refs make some calls. When they started doubling me in the second half I knew I just needed to find the open guy.”
Finishing with eight assists, Jensen managed to get other teammates involved as two others reached double-figures. Fellow senior Jordan Ekker connected on three shots from beyond the arc to finish with 14 points, while Kyler Wilstead contributed 12. Justin Rasmussen also helped push the offense as he finished with nine points.
Jaxon Torgerson was the catalyst for the Broncos, finishing with 19 points, including a stretch where he scored 12 straight. Randall Flavel worked as the second compliment down low as he poured in 16 points. Ryan Imlay ended with nine.
Friday’s win keeps Emery in striking distance of first place Richfield for the top spot in Region 12. Now 3-1, the Spartans are a full game ahead of both San Juan and South Sevier for second place.
“Coach told us this was the most important game of the year so far, so we had that in our heads,” said Jensen. “The Richfield game prepared us for tonight’s game. I think the Delta game was also similar in getting us ready.”
The Spartans have now passed San Juan and moved to No. 3 in the latest RPI rankings. The loss dropped San Juan to No. 4. Manti and Richfield currently hold the top two spots.
Emery will now prepare for a very challenging and important week. Wednesday the team will travel to Monroe for the first of two meetings with South Sevier. Friday the second go-around of region play will begin as they welcome Richfield to the Spartan Center.