It was a 40-36 lead heading into the fourth period and it was still a four-point spread, 43-39, when the Hearts went on a run to take control. Stoneburner scored, Drew Thompson hit a free throw and Tate Niebrugge, for the second game in a row, hit a big three that made it a double-digit lead.

Nate Thompson and Stoneburner added two more baskets to cap the 10-0 surge and expand the lead to 53-39 with just 2:41 to play.

The Hearts made it interesting down the stretch by missing five straight free throws. Casey-Westfield got back-to-back threes from Dawson Dallape and Noah Livingston and two free throws by Rece Overbeck to make it a four-point game, 53-49, with 21 seconds still left.

But Niebrugge made four straight foul shots in the final 18 seconds to secure the win.

“We typically make those free throws,” Farmer said. “Thankfully, Tate stepped up and knocked his down. In fact, he hit a couple big shots for us today. His confidence is really starting to shine through. If he starts making his shots, along with the other three scorers we have, we could be tough to stop. It might be fun to watch.”

The Hearts jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead, but the Warriors fought their way back and trailed just 15-14 after the first eight minutes.

Again, just like Friday night, Effingham went cold in the second period. The Hearts made just 2-of-8 shots and turned the ball over four times. Casey-Westfield actually led by four at one time, but Nate Thompson made a three-pointer late to knot the score at 26-26 at intermission.

“The Casey-Westfield offense is tough to guard,” Farmer noted. “They attack the basket, but they can also drive and dish to good shooters on the wing.”

Nate Thompson led the Hearts with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Drew Thompson scored 16 and Niebrugge added 12.

“With Nate, it’s not about him being physical,” Farmer explained. “It’s the effort he brings. He’s a relentless player. Even if you get to the basket, you better know where Nate’s at or he will take the ball away from you. And if you don’t box him out, he’s going to get the ball. And he can also hit the three. He’s a tough kid.”

Overall, the Hearts shot well, connecting on 17-of-32 attempts, a 53 percent clip. They were 4-of-13 from long range and 19-for-31 from the foul line. They did turn the ball over 15 times and held a commanding 30-18 rebounding advantage.

“I know our kids will never play perfect, but they can give perfect effort every game,” Farmer said. “That’s what I want to see. I want to see us making those effort plays. We need to make the 50-50 balls ours. That’s the kind of effort I’m talking about.”

The Hearts improved to 11-6 overall. They will play two Apollo Conference games on the road this week – Tuesday at Taylorville at Friday at Mahomet-Seymour.