Hearts Beat Lincoln in Overtime

The Effingham Hearts outscored the Lincoln Railsplitters 10-9 in overtime to post a 53-52 victory Friday night at Effingham High School. The game was heard on 979XFM and www.979xfm.com. 

Effingham remained undefeated on the season, improving to 6-0, while Lincoln lost for the first time this season and are now 3-1.

Effingham won despite losing a 16-point lead. Lincoln scored the first 14 points of the fourth quarter to pull ahead by two points before the Hearts scored their only two points of the period to force the overtime. Lincoln's Dylan Singleton scored 10 of the 14 points in the fourth quarter to key the Railers' comeback.

However, it was Parker Wolfe's turn in the overtime period to shine. Wolfe scored eight of Effingham's 10 points in the extra frame to key the victory, with Nate Thompson scoring the other two points in overtime.

The game was a contest of three-pointers early with the first five baskets being triples. Effingham led 12-9 after the first period and a 14-6 second quarter edge left Effingham in front 26-15 at halftime. Lincoln started to make some noise in the third quarter, but the Hearts still had a 15-14 edge in the period to lead 41-29 heading for the final period of regulation. 

Effingham made 49% of its shots, hitting 17 of 35 including 9 of 16 threes. The Hearts made 10 of 14 foul shots, turned the ball over 14 times, six in the fourth quarter, but pulled down 27 rebounds.

Lincoln was 16 of 37 on the night, 43%, including 9 of 19 threes. The Railers made 11 of 13 foul shots, all by Singleton, committed just eight turnovers, but had just 16 rebounds.

Parker Wolfe led Effingham and all scorers with 27 points on 7 of 13 shooting, while going 8 of 10 at the line and grabbing six rebounds. Nate Thompson finished with 12 points while grabbing eight boards. Garrett Wolfe hit three three on just five shots for nine points with four rebounds. Jacob Stoneburner scored two points but grabbed eight rebounds. Dalton Fox hit a three-pointer on his only shot attempt and grabbed a rebound. Those five went the distance for the Hearts.

Singleton led Lincoln with 26 points, including 11 of 13 from the line, while pulling down seven rebounds.

After Saturday's COVID-related cancellation with Charleston Saturday, Effingham's next action is Tuesday at Mahomet-Seymour.

Effingham won the JV game 44-35. For Effingham, Jett Volpi, Max Hardiek and Armando Estrada each scored 11 points, Andrew Splechter 8, Ethan Ritz 2, and Quest Hull 1.