The Exira-EHK Spartans pieced together a 64-31 win over Murray on Tuesday night in Elk Horn to advance to the Class 1A Region 8 Semifinals. Macy Emgarten and Quinn Grubbs paved the way with 24 points each in the win.

The Spartans rode the outside shot in the first half to jump on top 26-8 at the end of the first and 33-16 at half. Emgarten poured in 4 of her 6 threes in the game in the first half, including three in the first quarter. The Spartans connected on 9 shots from downtown in the game. Exira-EHK Head Coach Tom Petersen thought they settled too much with the outside shot early.

The Spartans got to the rim more consistently in the second half and pulled away further down the stretch. Coach Petersen felt a better defensive effort translated into better offense in the second half.

The Spartans improved to 21-0 on the season and will get to host the Regional Semifinal game on Friday. They will face the Stanton Viqueens, who picked up a 63-25 win over Lamoni on Tuesday.

Murray was led by 8 points from Teryn Shields. The Mustangs end their season at 12-10.

You’ll be able to catch that Exira-EHK vs. Stanton game on Friday night on Spartan Media through the KJAN Video Network.

Watch the full replay of the Murray game HERE.