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San Juan’s Cooper Black hit a game-winning three-point shot as time expired to hold off a furious second half comeback effort from the Emery Spartans in a 67-64 thriller Friday night in Blanding.

Emery senior Jax Madsen connected on two free throws to tie the game with 20 seconds remaining. Following a timeout, the Broncos held for the last shot as Ladd Ivins made a cross court pass to Black for the game-winner.

“It is a tough way to lose a ball game, but I tip my hat to Cooper Black, who made a big shot to lift his team,” said head coach Jeff Cisneros. “Our kids battled tonight and played hard. I’m extremely proud with the way everyone on the team played. We are getting better and that’s what is really important.”

Despite a competitive first quarter the Spartans found themselves in a 15-point hole midway through the third. Battling back on both ends of the floor, Emery rallied to take a one-point lead late in the game. Several key possessions in the final two minutes set the stage for the epic conclusion.

The hard fought, come-from-behind effort for Emery was led by Treven Brazier, who scored 25 of his game-high 27 points in the second half. Connecting on seven three-point shots over the final 16 minutes, Brazier became a focal point for the offense.

“That’s what (Brazier) is capable of doing every single night,” said Cisneros. “He’s a great kid. He has to run a track meet Saturday morning, so it’s going to be a long day for him. But he came here and he gave it everything he had.”

Aside from Brazier’s outstanding second half, the Spartans also relied heavily on sophomore Brett Rasmussen as he finished with 11 points. Beyond the offensive production, Rasmussen went toe-to-toe with San Juan’s Nathan Grover as the two centers battled throughout the evening.

The Spartans were faced with a massive free throw disadvantage as they attempted just nine for the game, compared to 27 for San Juan. Aside from the foul shots, Emery converted five more field goals and eight three-point shots to San Juan’s five.

Ivins posted 22 points, scoring 14 in the second half as he helped the Broncos earn their second Region 12 win of the season. Grover chipped in with 15 points, while Jensen Grover finished with 14. Black also reached double-figures, pouring in 10 points, including the game-winner.

Friday’s loss marks the ninth straight for the Spartans, dipping their overall record to 2-10 and region mark to 0-4.

Emery will have an opportunity to halt the losing skid and earn a division win when they return to the court on Wednesday against the South Sevier Rams at home. The Rams are also still in search of their first region win after a lopsided loss to Richfield Friday night.

Live coverage of Wednesday’s contest will begin at 6:30 on KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM. Tip-off will follow shortly after at 7:00.

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