Emery senior Brax Jensen connected on two free-throws with 0.7 seconds remaining in regulation to give the Spartans a thrilling 80-79 victory over the Grand Red Devils Friday night in Moab.
Playing for a share of the Region 12 championship, the Spartans were tested throughout the game by a pesky Red Devil squad looking for their first region win. Trailing by four with less than two minutes remaining, the Spartans again found a way to earn the win.
Down two-points Jensen went the length of the court to tie the game at 78-78 with only 7.6 seconds remaining in regulation. While the game appeared to be headed for overtime, chaos would ensue over the final seconds to determine the winner.
After advancing the ball past half court Grand senior Kaine Allred was fouled 30 feet away from the basket with only 1.7 seconds on the clock. Going 1-of-2 at the line, Grand held a 79-78 lead as Emery called a time out.
Junior Jax Madsen attempted a down court pass to Jensen. Attempting to split two defenders, Jensen was fouled upon gaining possession. Out of fouls to give, the violation put Jensen at the charity stripe with 0.7 seconds on the clock. The two makes gave Emery a one-point lead and the eventual win.
On top of hitting the game winning free throws, Jensen finished with a game-high 31 points, well above his season average of 22. Kyler Wilstead delivered one of his most outstanding performances of the year with 20 points, while Justin Rasmussen contributed 11.
Friday’s win extends Emery’s winning streak to 10, while also solidifying a first-place tie with the Richfield Wildcats at the top of the Region 12 standings.
Allred paced the Red Devils in the loss with an impressive 27-points and nine rebounds. Eli Hazlett knocked down a season best six three-point shots to finish with 19 points. Ryelan Jones also reached double-digits with 10 points.
The loss for Grand drops the team to 0-10 in region play and 8-14 overall.
Emery will wrap up the regular season Saturday afternoon at the Spartan Center in Castle Dale as they welcome in the Green River Pirates. The contest will be the final home game for head coach Todd Jeffs, who has held the position for more than 30 years.
Live coverage of Saturday’s contest will begin at 3:30, followed by tip-off at 4:00. The live stream will also be available at castlecountryradio.com.