Union’s junior varsity dug their way out of a double-digit deficit in the final minutes of a road game versus Trask Friday night, but down-the-stretch fouls still left them on the short end of a heart-stopping 44-42 game.

Spartan coach Bryant Register tipped his hat to the Titan JV, noting their athleticism and competitiveness. But he also had good things to say about his Union team, noting the great effort they put forth throughout the night.

“It was a great ball game. Trask is a great team, but I have to hand it to my guys, I was very, very proud of their effort,” Register said.

It was a back-and-forth game as the Titans and Spartans traded baskets throughout the first quarter, ending knotting at 15. The second frame was much like the second, with Union able to take a 25-23 lead into half.

But a poor third quarter, which saw the Spartans score only 5 points, and missed free throws, the JV coach said, left the Union team behind by third quarter’s end, and in the double-digit deficit that eventually would be their downfall, despite the strength they used to fight their way back into the game.

“They fought hard to get back in this game,” Register said, ” and we got within two, but then we had to foul in the last few seconds.”

Christian Boykin led scoring for the Spartans with 11, followed closely behind by teammates Brandon Johnson and Jamar Newkirk, with 10 points each. Also scoring was Jawan Newkirk, 7; JaVonte Henry, 2; Traquan Peterson, 1; and Carter Spearman, 1.

The loss moves Union to 4-7 overall and 2-3 in conference play.

They return to the court next Thursday in a home game versus county rival Midway. Game time is 4:30 p.m.