Marion knocked down five three-pointers in the first quarter, opened a double-digit lead and went on to beat Effingham, 69-39, at home Saturday.

Kaden Rogowski and Brody Jackson both hit a pair from long range and Ethan Simmons added another, as the Wildcats raced to a 25-11 advantage in the opening eight minutes. By halftime, the lead had increased to 43-21, as the hosts added three more baskets from behind the arc.

Rogowski finished with a game-high 20 points for the Wildcats.

Cannon Bockhorn led the Hearts with nine points and Rylan Pals added eight.

The Hearts, now 2-5 on the season, will play Tuesday at Mattoon in an Apollo Conference match-up.