The Emery Spartans were unable to keep pace with the senior heavy San Juan Broncos as the two teams clashed in a non-region affair Tuesday evening at the Spartan Center in Castle Dale.

Faced with a 20-5 deficit at the end of the first quarter, the Spartans played a solid eight minutes of basketball as the entered the break trailing 26-19. The Broncos responded with two dominating quarters to pull away in the second half for a 62-41 win.

“They are a very good team and they’ve playing very well together since they were sophomores,” said head coach Dave Justice. “They just make it difficult on you. I thought the kids gave a tremendous effort, but we just struggled to hit shots.”

Emery had a difficult time finding the rhythm from beyond the three-point line as they shot 2-of-23 from the three point line. Inside the perimeter the Spartans converted on 42-percent of attempts, finishing 13-31.

Wade Stilson posted a team-high 13 points, seven of which came in the second quarter. Fellow sophomore guard Luke Justice also reached double-figures as he posted 12 points. Brett Rasmussen also contributed seven points, converting three field goals, including a first half dunk.

“Wade and Luke being in the backcourt played pretty well tonight, especially on defensive,” Justice said. “We are proud of them and we are excited to see these young kids grow moving forward.”

The Broncos delivered a well balanced offensive attack, led by Cooper Black who finished with a game-high 18 points. Jensen Grover scored seven of his 16 points in the opening quarter, while Ladd Ivins chipped in with 14.

Tuesday’s loss sends Emery to 2-9 on the season and marks the team’s fifth consecutive loss. With one non-region game remaining on the slate before the league opener, the Spartans will welcome in the Manti Templars Friday night to the Spartan Center.

Live coverage of Friday’s game will air live on KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM beginning at 6:30 p.m.. Tip-off will follow at 7:00.