Summary

The Emery Spartans had three opportunities to win in the final minute. Still, they came up short each time in a heartbreaking 42-40 loss to the Union Cougars Wednesday night in Castle Dale.

The Emery Spartans had three opportunities to win in the final minute. Still, they came up short each time in a heartbreaking 42-40 loss to the Union Cougars Wednesday night in Castle Dale.

Trailing by 10 early in the first quarter, the Spartans used a gritty defensive effort to fight back and take the lead multiple times throughout the game. Emery captured a slim 40-38 lead in the fourth quarter, but a timely make from Union proved to be the difference in the game.

Andrus Jensen connected on a deep three-point jumper late in the shot clock to put the Cougars ahead 41-40 with 1:35 remaining in the game. Emery would have three more opportunities, but two misses and a late turnover allowed the Cougars to steal the road win in a thriller.

“Jensen hit a big three and kind of changed the game,” said head coach Dave Justice. “We came down and got a couple of good looks, they just did not fall. We did a lot of good things but ultimately came up short.”

West Johansen led the way for the Spartans, scoring a team-high 10 points in the setback. Jace Frandsen and Scott Johansen finished with nine, each hitting three shots beyond the arc. Will Jeffs and Porter Hurdsman both contributed five points.

Emery held Union to 17 points over the final two quarters and eight in the fourth quarter. The 42 points allowed is the second fewest the Spartans have given up in six games this season.

“We played outstanding zone defense tonight,” Justice said. “We got a little worried early because they scored so quickly but we settled in. I could not be happier with the way we played on that side of the floor.”

The two-point win moves Union to 5-2 on the season, while the loss sends Emery to 1-5. The Spartans will now prepare for the Region 12 opener on Friday night against the Delta Rabbits on the road. Delta is currently riding a six-game winning streak.

Live coverage of Friday’s game will air live on KOAL 107.3 FM and 750 AM beginning at 6:30 pm. Tip-off will follow at 7:00. The live broadcast will also air on the Castle Country Radio Emery YouTube channel.