The Albert Lea boys’ basketball team came into the game against Red Wing on Tuesday night looking to grab its first win of the season.

Despite being able to go back-and-forth with the Wingers for the first portion of the opening half, the Tigers ultimately fell, 78-40.

The first half saw both teams trading buckets during the first few possessions of the game. Sophomore Connor Veldman got the scoring started for the Tigers with a driving layup under the basket. After a few defensive stops and baskets from junior Parker Andersen and sophomore JJ Owens, the Tigers found themselves trailing by just one point.

The Wingers, however, would get hot from three-point range as they went on a big run eight minutes into the game. The Wingers would go on a 30-point run before the Tigers would be able to score again. The scoring drought was ended by Veldman with a pair of free throws.

Junior Dylan Scherff would go on a small run of his own before the half was over, scoring six straight points for the Tigers. His burst would put a small dent in the lead, but the Tigers would still head to the break down, 56-19. Scherff lead the first half for the Tigers with eight points.

Andersen came out in the second half and provided a big surge of energy for Albert Lea. He scored a quick four points right out of the break. Albert Lea would score a total of 21 points in the second half.

The Tigers would play a much better half defensively as well, only allowing the Wingers to 22 points. However, the deficit they were facing from the first half was just too much to overcome.

The Tigers fall to 0-8 on the season and will be back in action on Friday when they host the 2-6 Winhawks of Winona.