Senior Treven Brazier scored a game-high 27 points to lift the Emery Spartans past the Union Cougars for their first home win of the season, 66-50 Wednesday night at the Spartan Center in Castle Dale.
“Union is always going to bring the physicality when you play them, they are just one of those teams,” said head coach Jeff Cisneros. “I thought we stepped up and matched that physicality again tonight, just like we did against Juan Diego.”
Looking to rebound from Saturday’s loss to Juan Diego, the Spartans started fast as they put two great quarters of basketball together. Scoring 43 points by the midway break, Emery had developed an 18 point advantage heading into the third quarter.
From that point on the game was well under control as the Spartans cruised to their second victory of the season, improving to 2-1 overall.
Riggs Griffin delivered a second scoring option to the Spartans as he finished with 13 points, including two makes from beyond the arc. Brett Rasmussen contributed seven points, while Beau Cook and Luke Stilson each scored six.
“I thought we ran the floor better tonight and got more out of our early offense than we’ve gotten this season, which is good,” said Cisneros. “We made some three-point shots in the first half and I think we are doing a good job at taking what is given to us.”
Defensively the Spartans remained on point for most of the four quarters. Union senior center Joey Sampson was the lone Cougar to reach double-figures as he finished with 17 points. Grady Gardner did most of his damage in the opening quarter, finishing with nine for the game.
Wednesday’s contest was the first of two games this week, but the lone home tilt during that span. The Spartans will now prepare for a road trip to Kamas on Friday to meet the South Summit Wildcats.
“South Summit is extremely physical and a lot of teams don’t like that,” said Cisneros. “I’m excited to take a team that I know is going to compete and not back down. They put some great basketball players out there all of the time and I think it’s going to be a good outing.”
Live coverage of Friday’s contest will air on KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM beginning at 6:30 p.m.. Tip-off will follow shortly after at 7:00.
Listen to Coach Cisneros’ postgame interview below: