GUYTON -- The South Effingham Mustangs couldn't get over the final hump in an uphill battle against Metter on Tuesday.

Down by double digits with 6:07 to go, the Mustangs pulled to within three points of the lead twice before falling 60-55.

Malique Buckner led South Effingham's late charge by scoring 13 of his team-high 17 points in the final period, including a trio of threes.

Ross Freeman closed the gap to 56-53 with 2:27 left but South Effingham never hit another field goal. Its final points came via free throws by Buckner with 10 seconds left.

Following his final free throws, Buckner recorded a sideline steal. He stumbled out of bounds before he could launch a potential tying shot, however.

See the Dec. 6 edition of the Effingham Herald for more details.