The Emery Spartans had one last game before the holidays with a road contest against the Morgan Trojans.

Emery struggled to score points in the first quarter, scoring just 12 points. Emery’s defense, however, held Morgan to just 17 points and gave the Spartans a chance to stay close in the game.

The Spartans’ offense matched the play of the defense in the second quarter, outscoring the Trojans 21-14. The furious Spartan comeback resulted in a two-point Emery lead at the end of the first half, 33-31.

A lid was back on the bucket for Emery as the team lost their halftime lead with just 13 third-quarter points. Morgan’s 20 points gave the Trojans a five-point advantage moving into the final eight minutes.

Emery had the chance to take a lead in the fourth quarter, down just two points with a few minutes remaining. The Spartans were unable to take advantage of late-game opportunities and Morgan walked away with a 74-66 win.

Brett Rasmussen led all Spartans with 15 points. Talon Tuttle and Wade Stilson followed with 13 and 12 points, respectively.

The loss moves the Spartans to 7-2 on the season with three games remaining before region play begins.

Emery will next play on Jan. 3 against the Enterprise Wolves at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. The Landon’s Diesel Service pregame show will begin live at 12:30 on 107.3 FM and 750 AM KOAL.