Mahomet-Seymour built a double-digit lead at halftime and then pulled away in the fourth quarter, posting a 61-44 Apollo Conference win at home Saturday night over Effingham.

Andrew Donaldson connected on a pair of three-pointers in the opening quarter, helping the Hearts stay within 12-10. But the host Bulldogs outscored Effingham 21-13 in the second period to take a 10-point cushion, 33-23, to the locker room at halftime.

It was still a 10-point margin heading into the final eight minutes, but Mahomet-Seymour outscored the Hearts 16-9 down the stretch to secure the win.

Andrew Splechter led EHS with a game-high 14 points and Logan Heil was also in double figures with 10.

The Hearts dipped to 10-17 overall and our now 4-5 in the Apollo Conference. The Hearts will play at home tonight (Tuesday) against Charleston.