It was just a four-point deficit, 30-26, three minutes into the third period when the Rams went on the game-changing run. McClure hit a three to ignite the scoring spree and Benson scored four, helping the hosts expand the margin to 43-26 at the close of the period. Mt. Vernon outscored EHS 20-5 in that quarter.

McClure then hit back-to-back threes to open the fourth period and gave the Rams their largest lead of the game, 49-26. Heil finally broke the eight-minute drought for the Hearts with a pair of foul shots. They never got closer than 18 points the rest of the way.

“There wasn’t anybody that gave us much of a chance, but for three of the four quarters, we were just as good as they were,” EHS coach Obie Famer said. “That third quarter really hurt.

“Not all shots are created equal. It’s how you get those shots that matter,” Farmer added. “In the first half, we were moving the ball inside-out. That puts a defense at a disadvantage. It makes them scramble to cover your shooters. But in that third quarter, we became satisfied dribbling around the perimeter and just settled for shots. We were much easier to defend.”

McClure connected on six shots from behind the arc and finished with a game-high 18 points. Benson, a 6’8” senior that is headed to Missouri State, added 16.

The Hearts didn’t have a player reach double figures. Wolfe and Ritz both scored eight.

“We knew we’d have to play physical tonight and I thought our kids played their butts off,” Farmer said. “We have some things we need to fix, but we need some practice time to get that done. We’ve had so many games lately, there hasn’t been much time to actually practice.”

The Hearts, who dipped to 9-19 on the season, will be back in action tonight (Tuesday). They will play at Central A&M.