In its second consecutive game against an opponent ranked in the state polls, the Albert Lea boys’ basketball team was unable to come back from a 33-point halftime deficit.

Jake Kilby led the Tigers with 21 points and five steals, but No. 7 (AAAA) Rochester John Marshall cruised to an 82-48 win Friday at Albert Lea.

“We came out and played as hard as we possibly could play,” said Tigers coach Stan Thompson. “We just had a lot of high-percentage shots that didn’t go in. That was the best team I’ve seen in the Big Nine since I’ve been coaching.”

Albert Lea’s leading scorer from last season, Dedoch Chan, transferred to Rochester John Marshall but did not play Friday. Chan averaged 21.9 points per game last year.

Jake Thompson posted a team-high five assists for the Tigers to go with 11 points, three rebounds and three steals.

Denzel Acha added seven points and four rebounds.

After falling 79-66 against Rochester Mayo in the season opener, Albert Lea (0-3, 0-3 Big Nine) is in the midst of three straight games against ranked opponents.

The Tigers fell 77-59 Tuesday at No. 2 (AAA) Northfield and will play at No. 8 (AAA) Red Wing at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Mankato East is the fourth team in the Big Nine Conference that is listed in the state polls. The Cougars began the season 2-0 but lost by 19 points to John Marshall and are coming off a 74-73 home loss Friday against Winona (1-1, 1-1 Big Nine).