The Lady Tigers, who lost for just the second times in 21 game and entered the game ranked No. 6 in the Class 2A poll, led throughout the first half. The gap was six points before Ella Niebrugge knocked down a three-pointer to get EHS within 20-17 at intermission.

The Lady Hearts continued that run at the start of the third period. Saige Althoff scored seven points, including a three-point play after grabbing an offensive rebound. Madison Mapes also scored off an offensive rebound and Niebrugge made a free throw that capped the 10-0 run to open the second half and 13-0 spree overall to put Effingham on top 27-20.

After Bria Beals scored five straight points, including a three from the corner, the Lady Hearts lead reached double-digits, 32-22, with 3:20 left in the third period.

But the Lady Tigers then began a comeback. They scored the final six points of the quarter, and then got a three-pointer from Graci Watson and a bucket by Kendra Young to complete an 11-0 scoring surge that put Paris back on top, 33-32, with 6:38 to play.

But Althoff responded with a bucket at the 6:18 mark that put the Lady Hearts on top to stay. Beals hit a pair of free throws, Niebrugge connected on a three and Sidney Donaldson, playing in her first game after injuring her knee, hit a jumper to expand the lead to 41-35 with 2:24 still let.

Effingham’s man-to-man defense really kicked in down the stretch. The Lady Hearts forced Paris into 11 second-half turnovers, including four in the final two minutes. They took advantage by making 5-of-8 free throws down the stretch to secure the win.

“The girls just kept working and we finally made some shots,” Schafer said. “Our schedule is brutal right now and it’s not going to get any easier. But they just keep fighting. Tonight, it was the little things that was the difference. I’m very proud of them.”

Young was the only Paris player to reach double figures, scoring 10 points. The Lady Tigers are now 19-2.

Effingham had three players in double figures. Niebrugge and Althoff both scored 11 points and Beals added 10.

The Lady Hearts improved to 13-6 overall. They will now compete in the Vandalia Mid-Winter Tournament. They enter as the No. 1 seed and will face Madison at 10 a.m. Monday.