ROCHESTER – For three quarters, the Albert Lea Tigers were able to keep pace with Sam Bakken and the Rochester Mayo Spartans.

Wednesday, February 13, 2002

ROCHESTER – For three quarters, the Albert Lea Tigers were able to keep pace with Sam Bakken and the Rochester Mayo Spartans.

Things got away in the fourth.

Bakken finished with 31 points – including 13-for-15 at the free-throw line – as the Tigers lost 55-39 in a Big Nine boys’ basketball game at Rochester Tuesday night.

The Tigers were within two points, 33-31, after three quarters but put the Spartans on the line too many times in the fourth, according to ALHS coach Matt Addington.

Afterward, a disappointed Addington said the Tigers need to work on the mental and emotional aspects of their game.

&uot;This team has a hard time realizing there has to be more than just a physical investment to be part of a team,&uot; said the first-year head coach. &uot;There has to be a mental investment and an emotional investment. You need all three to have success, and we’ve had a hard time putting all three together.

&uot;Part of it is the whole learning-how-to-win thing we’ve talked about this year. Part of it just has to come from inside, holding each other accountable. We had too many mental breakdowns tonight.&uot;

The first half was back and forth, with the Tigers up 16-13 after one quarter and down 27-23 at halftime.

Ben Woodside led the Tigers with 15 points and five assists. Tyler Young had 12 points and nine rebounds. Josh Kasper scored eight points.

The Tigers, 7-7 in the Big Nine and 9-9 overall, host Mankato East Friday.