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American Fork • Layton had felt the sting of fourth quarter losses too many times this season, with four straight losses by a combined 13 points for a team with deep postseason aspirations.

So when Brighton crawled back late Thursday night at American Fork in the first round of the Elite 8 Tournament, it began to feel like déjà vu.

But with 2.9 seconds remaining, Layton's Julian Blackmon penetrated the Bengal defense before spotting Matt Cragun hibernating on the perimeter. The senior calmly sunk a 3-pointer to end the early season misery with a 52-49 win.

"Amazingly proud," Layton coach Kelby Miller said. "We've had four tough games leading into this one, all single-digit, one-possession games. It just feels great to finally get over the hump."

Layton will play Sky View Friday at 6:30 p.m.

"That was a nice moment," Dallin Watts said. "Good for our team; good to get that win. We've been waiting for it."

Watts was dealt the task of guarding Brighton's Brock Miller, who averaged more than 30 points in his first two games. Although Miller's 17 points trailed only Osa Masina's 19 for the Bengals, but points were difficult to find.

"You just got to know where he's at," Watts said. "I mean he's got nine 3's in the last two games or whatever. You got to get a hand up, and I feel like that what we did and it definitely limited his game."

Added Kelby Miller on Watts: "He's one of those guys who is high-energy. Sometimes you've got to rein him in a little bit, but tonight he did a very good job for us."

Trailing by one at halftime, Layton outscored Brighton by six on the back of two triples from Julian Blackmon and Boston Armitstead.

But on the opening possession of the fourth, Brock Miller was unfazed and completed a four-point play on a contested jumper to pull within one, 39-38. Shortly thereafter, Masina knocked down another triple to give Brighton a 45-44 advantage with 2:25 remaining.

Watts responded with his own 3-pointer on the ensuing trip to the opposite end.

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