A strong inside presence was complemented with a potent backcourt for the Albert Lea boys’ basketball team.

Tigers point guard Jake Thompson led the team on Friday with a career-high 25 points, but Rochester Mayo slipped past Albert Lea 70-65.

Jake Kilby, a shooting guard, added 16 points and seven rebounds.

“When our guards are scoring, we’re in a pretty good place,” said Albert Lea coach Lucas Kreuscher. “I think they’ll definitely gain some confidence. We’ve focused on attacking the rim and moving without the ball.”

Dedoch Chan led the Tigers in the paint with 14 points, six rebounds, an assist and a steal.

At halftime, Mayo led 37-32, and their lead expanded to 14 points in the second half. However, Albert Lea cut its deficit to four points late in the game.

“We had opportunities to make it one possession,” Kreuscher said. “We showed some fight. I was pleased with our energy and active hands on defense.”

Albert Lea buried eight 3-pointers, but Mayo countered with 11. At the charity stripe the Tigers were 13-of-16.

Tyler Anderson grabbed six rebounds.

“He understands his role and gives everything he’s got,” Kreuscher said.

Albert Lea played its season opener at Mayo on Nov. 25, 2014, and lost 81-57. The five-point loss was a step in the right direction, Kreuscher said.

Look for results from Albert Lea’s game Saturday at Northfield in Monday’s Tribune.

Next, the Tigers (0-16 overall, 0-13 Big Nine Conference) will host Rochester John Marshall (12-5 overall, 10-3 Big Nine Conference) at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. The Rockets won nine of their first 10 games, but have lost four of their last eight.