Despite a fourth quarter Manti run, the Emery Spartans completed the season series sweep of the Templars with a 68-60 victory Friday night on the road.

Leading by as many as 19 in the first half, the Emery advantage slipped to just three in the final four minutes of regulation. The Spartans managed to hang on late due to aggressive play from point guard Bowdie Jacobson, and efficient free throw shooting.

Three Emery players recorded double-doubles as the team improved to 6-0 in Region 15 play. Koby Butler posted a game-high 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Kolton Butler finished with 11 points and 10 boards. Jacobson scored 16 of 18 in the second half, and also handed out 10 assists.

“They had a few guards that were jacking up threes, and they got hot,” said Jacobson during the Emery Medical Post Game Show. “I thought they were going to press us early on and they didn’t, so we had to come out and play a different game.”

The Spartans dominated the first half and entered the break with a comfortable 35-19 lead. Manti slowly began to chip away as the outscored Emery 25-17 in the third. The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth battle that eventually ended in Emery’s favor.

Matt Nelson led the late Manti push and finished with a team-best 16 points, including four makes from beyond the three-point line. Riley Curtis chipped in with 12 points, all of which came from deep. Both Corbin Linam and Dylan Wathen contributed nine in the loss.

Friday’s win allows the Spartans to maintain first place in Region 15, holding a one game lead over San Juan. Now 2-4 in league action following Friday’s loss, the Templars hold just a one game lead over the Gunnison Bulldogs for the fourth and final playoff spot.

With only four games remaining on the regular season schedule, the Spartans will wrap up the home portion of their schedule this week. Up next will be the Gunnison Bulldogs on Wednesday, followed by senior night against North Sevier on Friday.