Mankato East was able to keep the Albert Lea boys’ basketball team at bay Friday night for a 54-45 victory in Mankato.

The Tigers (2-8, 0-5 Big Nine) had opportunities to close the gap late in the game but didn’t get closer than six down the stretch.

Albert Lea took better care of the ball, committing just 11 turnovers, but the Cougars’ Sam Onsomu proved difficult to slow down in the post.
Onsomu scored a game-high 18 points and the Tigers dropped their fifth consecutive game.

Senior Colby Strilaeff led Albert Lea with 17 points and scored in double figures for the sixth consecutive game.

Strilaeff’s game has improved with the addition of sophomore Kyle Ooms and he is scoring in double figures on a more consistent basis.

Tigers head coach Lucas Kreuscher said the Strilaeff’s improved dribble penetration has factored into his more consistent scoring.

Though Strilaeff hit for 17, East limited Ooms to eight points and got three other players in double figures.

Mankato East 54, Albert Lea 45

Albert Lea 21 24 — 45

Mankato East 29 25 — 54

Albert Lea scoring: Colby Strilaeff 17, Kyle Ooms 8, Silas Randall 5, Damian Montes 4, Taylor Bordelon 3, Alik Smed 3, Aaron Klatt 2, Cam Hove 2.

Mankato East scoring: Sam Onsomu 18, Alex Welter 11, Brady Dose 10, BeePee Pajibo 10, Brody Ziegler 3, Jordan Benesh 2.