The Albert Lea boys’ basketball team earned its first Big Nine Conference win of the season against Faribault 60-49 Tuesday at home.

The Tigers scored the first points of the game on a dish from Jakob Kilby to Goding Wal, and Albert Lea’s lead grew to 11 points (15-4).

However, Faribault cut its deficit to three points at halftime (28-25).

In the second half, Albert Lea head coach Lucas Kreuscher said his team was able to set the tempo by playing strong on the glass.

“We played our best half of the season rebounding the ball,” he said. “Then we were able to run. We had 14 points in transition in the second half, and they had two.”

Tesloch Kuey led the Tigers with 22 points and nine rebounds. Goding Wal and Cole Keyeski added 11 points each.

“We did a good job of attacking the rim when it was there,” Kreuscher said.

Albert Lea (2-4 overall, 1-2 Big Nine Conference) will play next at Rochester John Marshall at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The Rockets are coming off a 53-36 win over Rochester Mayo.

View statistics in the Scoreboard: Dec. 17 post.