Brax Jensen posted a game-high 21 points to lead the Emery Spartans past the Gunnison Bulldogs 63-49 Saturday evening in a non-region road contest.

Playing for the first time since Dec. 20, the Spartans held control throughout the game against the 2A Bulldogs. Holding a five point lead at the end of the first quarter, Emery used a 16-8 run in the second to advance the lead to double-digits.

Fellow seniors Seth Justice and Jordan Ekker each contributed 11 points as the Spartans improved to 7-2 overall. Justin Rasmussen and Kyler Wilstead both finished with nine, while Riggs Griffin logged two points in a reserve effort.

Saturday’s win moves the Spartans up one spot to No. 4 in the latest UHSAA RPI rankings. Emery currently sits behind fellow region opponents Richfield and San Juan, who hold the No. 3 and No. 2 spots respectively.

The Spartans have flashed signs of greatness during the non-region portion of the schedule, averaging 71 points per game and giving up only 54. Six of the team’s seven wins have been by double-digits.

With nine non-region games now in the book the Spartans will shift their focus to league play on Wednesday evening with a road trip to Richfield for a showdown with the Wildcats. The region slate will continue Friday with another road game, this time against the Carbon Dinos.

Live coverage of Wednesday’s game will begin at 6:30 on KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM. Tip-off will follow shortly after at 7:00. The live stream will also be available at castlecountryradio.com.