GUYTON -- South Effingham's boys basketball team didn't buckle when the pressure was on Friday night.

In a contest that was tight throughout, the Mustangs eked past the Wayne County Yellow Jackets 57-56.

South Effingham clawed its way from a 30-27 halftime deficit and took the lead for good at 45-42 when Ross Freeman canned a three with 5:07 left.

"The guys played very hard tonight and, more importantly, they played together," Mustangs coach James Finlen said. "They were making that extra pass, moving the ball. Our passing was pretty sharp and we found the holes (in the defense).

"Plus, we finished."

Malique Buckner paced the Mustangs with 18 points, including four treys. Makenly Newbill chipped in 15 points and had a strong night on the boards.

South Effingam lost the girls game 65-43.

See the Jan. 31 edition of the Effingham Herald for more details.