Despite holding multiple second half leads the Emery Spartans were unable to keep pace with the Richfield Wildcats in a 71-59 loss Wednesday evening on the road.

Exchanging blows for three quarters, the two teams entered the final stanza tied at 46. Over the course of the final three minutes Richfield converted multiple three-point shots and pulled away for good.

Kyson Stilson and Tyler Butler scored 14 points a piece to lead the Spartans in the loss. Brax Jensen added 12 points, and Easton Gordon finished with nine points and five boards.

As a team the Spartans struggled from the field finishing just 19-53, while connecting on just nine of 24 attempts from deep. Richfield on the other hand ended 24-44 from the field, and 13-25 from the perimeter.

Payton Thompson was a key offensive weapon for the Wildcats, hitting multiple three-point shots in the fourth quarter to finish with 17 points. Emmitt Hafen did most of his damage offensively in the first half, also finishing with 17. Hunter Peterson helped push the offense with 11.

Wednesday’s setback moves Emery to 3-4, while the win moves Richfield to an identical record. Both teams managed to protect home court, splitting the season series one game a piece.

Emery will return to the court Friday with the second of three straight road games, this time traveling to Monroe for a second meeting with South Sevier. The Rams comfortably defeated the Spartans 81-53 back on Jan. 5.