The second quarter proved to be the difference.

Mahomet-Seymour outscored Effingham 17-8 during that eight-minute stretch, turning a small deficit into a halftime lead, en route to a 58-48 Apollo Conference victory at home over the Lady Hearts.

Taylor Armstrong and Hayley Diveley both scored six points in the opening quarter, helping EHS to a 17-16 lead after the first eight minutes. But the Lady Hearts were limited to two baskets and eight points in the second period and the Lady Bulldogs took control.

The hosts led 33-25 at halftime and 46-36 after three quarters.

Armstrong finished with 14 points and Diveley added 11 for Effingham.

The Lady Hearts dipped to 7-9 on the season. They will return home Thursday night to face Lincoln in another conference contest.