Luke Justice scored a game-high 20 points as the Emery Spartans topped the Carbon Dinos 58-39 Friday night at the Spartan Center in Castle Dale.

Meeting for the first time this season, the Spartans methodically pulled away from the Dinos, winning each of the four quarters. Trailing 2-0 in the opening minutes, the Spartans soon captured a 3-2 lead and never gave up the advantage in the win.

Outscoring Carbon 13-6 in the first quarter, the Spartans managed to double their advantage heading into the break with a 26-12 lead. Emery would continue to extend the lead in the final two quarters.

Zack Tuttle scored 10 of his 12 points in the fourth quarter, ending any comeback for the Dinos. Mason Stilson and Creek Sharp both scored seven points, while Wade Stilson chipped in with six and made his presence felt on both sides of the floor.

Friday’s victory halts a three-game losing skid for the Spartans. After jumping out to a 2-0 start in Region-12 play, Emery encountered issues with consecutive losses to Richfield, Manti, and Canyon View. Now sitting 3-3 in league play, the Spartans are once again in contention for the division crown.

Kahner Raby scored nine points to help push the Carbon offense in Friday’s loss. Held to just two points through three quarters, Raby posted seven points in the final stanza, including an and-one three-point play.

Zeke Wilson scored all six of his points from behind the three-point line, while Carter Warburton and Cannon Mortenson chipped in with five pints each. Evan Lancaster, Ryker Butler, and Kyler Orth all notched four points.

The loss for Carbon drops the team’s record to 5-9 overall and 1-5 in league play. Last week the Dinos earned a region win over Delta but have since dropped four straight games.

Both teams will now take the rest of the week off before returning to the court on Wednesday. Emery will continue a five-game home stretch as they welcome in the North Sanpete Hawks. Carbon will begin a two-game homestand as they welcome in the Canyon View Falcons.