A huge fourth quarter lifted the Emery Lady Spartans past the Manti Templars 54-49 in a Region 12 showdown in Manti Tuesday night.

Trailing 40-34 entering the fourth quarter, the Lady Spartans used a 20-9 run in the final eight minutes to earn the hard-fought win.

Katelyn Nielson posted a team-high 23 points to pace Emery. KaBree Gordon finished with nine points, and Megan Stilson scored eight. The win moves Emery to 2-1 in region play and 5-7 overall.

The game remained close throughout as only six points separated the two teams at the end of the first half. After an even third quarter the Templars carried a slim lead into the fourth.

Cadee Alder scored 17 points, nine of which came from beyond the three-point line, to lead Manti in the setback. June Olsen also reached double-figures as she scored 12 points. As a team, Manti hit seven shots from beyond the perimeter, compared to four for Emery.

Tuesday’s outcome creates a log jam in the highly competitive Region 12 division. The win for Emery places them in a four-way tie with Canyon View, Juab, and North Sanpete for second. Richfield remains at the top of the region unbeaten at 3-0. Delta, Manti, and Carbon are still in search of their first win.

Emery will return to the court on Thursday with a lengthy road trip to Cedar City to meet the Canyon View Falcons. The meeting will be the first of two this season, with the second coming on Jan. 28 at Emery.