Mattoon could not overcome its own cold shooting in the first half nor multiple defensive lapses in a 78-56 loss to Effingham on Tuesday night in an Apollo Conference boys basketball game.
The Green Wave converted just two of 14 shots in the first quarter and 7-of-28 overall in the opening half during which the Hearts took a 44-22 halftime lead.
Mattoon also committed 18 turnovers overall.
Senior guard Malik Carter Smith scored a team-high 23 points for the Green Wave while Jaylen Middleton contributed 10.
The Green Wave went on a 9-3 run to start the third quarter but could never move any closer than 47-31.
Mattoon coach Ryan Ghere said the biggest difference was Effingham’s defensive toughness. “They manhandled us tonight,” Ghere told WMCI radio after the game.
MATTOON (56): Smith 23, Middleton 10, Bergstrom 2, Thomas 9, Larson 2, Farmer 9, Bradbury 1.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F | |
| Effingham | 17 | 27 | 21 | 13 | 78 |
| Mattoon | 7 | 15 | 21 | 13 | 56 |
Coles County Sports 