Unable to rebound from an inconsistent first half the Emery Spartans dropped the Region 15 opener to the South Sevier Rams 83-72 Friday night in Monroe.

Riding a five-game winning streak entering Friday’s contest, the Spartans played up and down throughout the first 16 minutes of the game. Trailing by as many as 14 in the second half, Emery battled back, but fell short in the division opener.

Kyson Stilson led Emery offensively with a team-high 21 points, 16 of which came in the second half. Jordan Ekker sparked a second half comeback attempt with 17 points off of the bench. Rance Jensen also provided a solid performance with 15.

While Emery committed just three turnovers throughout the contest, they struggled to knock down shots from the beyond the arc. Shooting a pedestrian 10-41 from deep, the Spartans attempted just 12 free throws, connecting on eight.

Kaetz King posted a game-high 28 points for the Rams, while also recording 10 rebounds in the win. Peydon Wood finished with 27 points and Brandt Williams added 23 as South Sevier improved to 7-0 overall on the season.

Now 7-3 overall and 0-1 in Region 15 play, the Spartans will take a full two weeks off before returning to the court on Friday, Jan. 4 against the Richfield Wildcats. The next tilt will be the first of three straight for the Spartans.