But the Hearts refused to quit. Pals hit a jumper and Dalton Fox connected on a three-pointer to start an 11-0 run of their own. Wolfe, Pals and Armando Estrada also scored during that stretch. Three minutes into the fourth period, Effingham held a 36-33 advantage.

But the following four minutes belonged to the Trojans – especially Carlis Wilson. He scored eight points, while DeAngelo Enlow and Derrion Enlow both added baskets after grabbing offensive rebounds, helping Madison go on a decisive 12-0 surge that gave them a nine-point cushion, 45-36, with 1:09 to play.

The Hearts got within six, but the Trojans converted 7-of-9 free throws down the stretch to secure the win.

“There have been several times this season we have played well early,” Farmer noted. “But the other team switches things up a little and we can’t keep it up. Plus, we had way too many turnovers tonight (21). With a team like Madison that transitions so well, you just can’t do that.”

The Hearts were led by Wolfe’s 17 points, while Estrada and Volpi both scored seven. They were 15-for-42 from the floor, a 36 percent clip. EHS was 8-for-26 from behind the arc and 6-for-9 at the foul line.

The Hearts dipped to 7-13 on the season. They will now play at 1 p.m. Saturday against Thornton Fractional North. If EHS wins that game, it will play at 7 p.m. in the consolation championship. If they lose, they will play again at 4 p.m. for seventh place.