The Emery Spartans were faced with an immediate first quarter deficit and never managed to recover in a 74-62 loss to the San Juan Broncos at home Wednesday night.
Attempting to control tempo with a full court press to start the game, the Spartans allowed 28 first quarter points by the Broncos. Despite settling down and holding San Juan to just seven points in the second quarter, the deficit remained double-digits for the majority of the game.
“I’ll give San Juan credit because they shot the ball well,” said head coach Jeff Cisneros. “They made baskets and put up 28 points in the first quarter. At that point it’s playing catch-up the rest of the way.”
Emery managed to put together a major run inside the third quarter to trim the deficit to 38-31. San Juan then took advantage of multiple turnovers, putting the game back to a double-digit advantage the rest of the way.
Treven Brazier used an aggressive offensive performance to pace the Spartans with a team-high 19 points in the setback. Attacking the defense throughout, Brazier scored 13 of his points inside the paint and at the free throw line.
Riggs Griffin scored nine of his 11 points in the second half, while Beau Cook also finished with 11. Luke Stilson chipped in with 10, doing the majority of his damage on the offensive glass.
The Broncos blistering pace offensively was set by Cooper Black who ended with 22 points in the San Juan win. Ladd Ivins finished with 18 points, while Jayden Black contributed 16.
The main differential offensively came from the Broncos ability to convert from beyond the arc as they hit 10 three-point shots compared to just four for Emery.
“It’s back to the drawing board because we got a game on Friday,” Cisneros said in response to the loss. “We can sit and dwell on this one as long as we want, but we have to go to Carbon on Friday and play a good basketball team. We just have to do what we can do and try to get a win.”
Now 0-7 in region play, the Spartans will look to end a lengthy losing skid that started back on Dec. 11 against South Summit. Friday’s tilt with Carbon will be the second of the season, giving Emery a chance for a season-series split.
Live coverage will air on KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM beginning at 6:20 p.m.. Tip-off will follow at 7:00.