The Emery Spartans opened the 2018-19 basketball season with a 61-57 victory over the Delta Rabbits Tuesday night at the Spartan Center in Castle Dale.

Trailing 17-9 at the end of the first quarter, the Spartans outscored Delta in each of the next three periods. Holding a one-point lead entering the fourth Emery managed to top the Rabbits 20-17 over the final eight minutes.

Senior Kyson Stilson recorded a team best 25 points to lead Emery in the win. Junior Brax Jensen also reached double-figures, scoring 11 points. Brodie Tuttle contributed nine points and Kyler Wilstead added eight.

Delta standout Derek Smith poured in a game-high 30 points despite the loss. Jager Springer finished with 11 points and Bradyn Nielson logged eight.

Emery’s high-tempo offense connected on six three-point makes, compared to only three for Delta. The Spartans also enjoyed an advantage at the free throw line ending 17-25, while the Rabbits shot 12-16.

The Spartans will now take the rest of the week off before returning to the home court on Tuesday against the Union Cougars. Emery will complete a three-game home stretch next Friday against Maple Mountain.