Andrew Splechter scored seven points and Andrew Donaldson knocked down a three and tallied five points , helping the Hearts outscore the Bulldogs 16-8 and get within 32-29 heading into the fourth quarter.

EHS finally forged a tie, Logan Heil hit back-to-back shots to put the Hearts on top and then they converted 11-of-15 free throws to cap the comeback and secure the victory.

“It wasn’t a quick change,” Farmer noted. “We just kept chipping away. We hit a couple shots, made our free throws and things really started to click. The kids just did about everything right in that fourth quarter.”

Heil led the Hearts with 16 points, while Splechter scored 13 and Garrett Wolfe added 10.

“We’re getting better,” Farmer said. “We’re not perfect; not close. But our effort and energy has been awesome and we’re doing things with toughness. We just have to continue to focus on improving every game.”

Effingham improved to 4-4 overall and now sits atop the Apollo Conference at 3-0. The Hearts will be back in action today (Saturday), playing at home against Mt. Vernon.