Despite a massive fourth quarter rally the Emery Spartans dipped to 0-2 in Region 15 play with a 77-73 loss to the Richfield Wildcats Friday night at the Spartan Center in Castle Dale.

Trailing by as many as 19 in the third quarter, the Spartans chopped the Wildcat advantage down to four on two separate occasions in the final minute of regulation. Missed opportunities from the free throw line and costly turnovers proved to the difference late.

Senior Kyson Stilson logged a game-high 29 points as Emery suffered back-to-back losses for the first time this season. Brax Jensen chipped in with 15 points and Mason Faimalo ended with 11. As a team the Spartans had at least eight players score one point.

Holding a slim 29-28 lead with under a minute to go in the first half, the Spartans slipped into a massive deficit as Richfield delivered a 14-0 run. As a team Richfield connected on 13 three-point shots, compared to just six for Emery.

Joshua Thalman poured in a team best 22-points, 12 of which came from deep, as Richfield moved to 2-0 in division play. Payton Thompson also scored 12 from deep, finishing with 20 for the game. Hunter Peterson and Emmitt Hafen both reached double-figures, combining for 32.

Now 7-3 overall and 0-2 in league play, the Spartans will have an opportunity to halt the two-game skid when they return to the court on Saturday against the Carbon Dinos at home. The non-region tilt marks the final out of league game this season.

Live coverage of Saturday’s contest will air live on KOAL 107.3 FM, 750 AM and KRPX 95.3 the Peak at 6:30 p.m.. The live audio feed will also be available at castlecountryradio.com.

**Stock photo courtesy of ETV 10 News**