“We just didn’t play well enough to give ourselves a chance,” St. Anthony coach Cody Rincker admitted. “We have to find a way to do the things in a game that we do in practice. I feel like we have a Jekyll & Hyde team. We have to be more consistent in every facet of the game.”

The Bulldogs got within 13 points twice, but two free throws by Pals and five straight points by Wolfe gave Effingham its largest lead of the contest, 45-25, midway through the final quarter.

“I feel like we’re playing hard, but we’re not doing the things to keep us in the ballgame,” Rincker noted. “Right now, I’m at a loss. It looks like we’re fearful of turning the ball over or taking a shot. We’re just too fearful. We have to get through that and it’s my job to help us get through that.”

The game was close throughout the first half.

Two baskets by Craig Croy gave the Bulldogs an early 4-2 lead. But a trio of baskets from behind the arc – by Wolfe, Andrew Splechter and Dalton Fox – helped the Hearts take an 11-9 lead after the opening eight minutes. A bucket by Kyle Stewart had SAHS within 17-13, but a four-point play by Volpi helped Effingham take a 21-15 edge at intermission.

“I thought we played sloppy that first half,” Farmer said. “We didn’t play Effingham basketball; the way we have to play this year. We needed to take better care of the basketball and take better shots, plus we got hurt on defense a couple times. Had we done those things, we could have had a bigger lead at halftime.”

Cold shooting was a factor for the Bulldogs. They made just 30 percent of their shots overall, connecting on 12-of-37 attempts. They were 3-for-12 from three-point range and 3-for-7 at the foul line. They had 13 turnovers.

 Stewart was the only St. Anthony player to crack double figures with 10 points. Croy, who pumped in 22 points against Breese Central Wednesday night, was limited to nine.

“The kids did a great job,” Farmer said. “We try to take away one weapon against every team we play. We feel that gives us a better chance of winning. Croy is their go-to guy. Dalton did a very good job on him. Croy didn’t score nearly as many as he had been. That made a big difference tonight.”

The Hearts had two players in double figures. Wolfe finished with 16 points and Fox added 11. EHS shot 41 percent, making 16-of-39 shots. They were 6-for-19 from behind the arc and 10-for-15 from the charity stripe. They turned the ball over 10 times.

“We just take what the opposing team gives us,” Farmer explained. “Tonight, it was Garrett and Dalton. Wednesday night, Splechter gave us 19. We just let the defense dictate what we do.”

The Bulldogs are now 0-3 in tourney play. They will finish the tournament today (Saturday) with a 3 p.m. game against Rantoul.

“Effingham was the hungrier team tonight; the team more ready to play,” Rincker said. “Whether it was ballhandling, shooting the ball or playing defense, we struggled with confidence all night. I thought we played well Wednesday, but not tonight. But we can’t get discouraged. It’s early yet.”

The Hearts will play in the third place game today. They will face Mattoon at 6 p.m. Both teams are 2-1.

“The St. Anthony game is always a big one,” Farmer said. “Many of the kids on both teams hang out together. I guess we’ve got bragging rights now. But we need to continue to play well. Mattoon will be another tough test.”