The Albert Lea boys’ basketball team never found its rhythm Friday at Rochester Century.

The Tigers lost 64-35.

“We’ve got to avoid the mental mistakes and learn how to focus on each possession,” said Albert Lea head coach Lucas Kreuscher. “I need to do a better job of getting them focussed.

At halftime, Albert Lea trailed 31-15.

Cody Scherff led the Tigers with 12 points and six rebounds, and Tesloch Kuey earned a team-high eight rebounds. Dedoch Chan chipped in with five points, six rebounds and an assist.

Rochester Century (7-6 overall, 4-2 Big Nine Conferece) played its first game since Dec. 28, when it lost 68-39 against Rochester John Marshall at the Rochester Rotary tournament. The Panthers are fourth in the conference standings.

Albert Lea (3-9 overall, 1-5 Big Nine Conference) is still looking for its first win in 2014 after a 67-47 loss at Rochester Mayo and a 64-35 loss at Byron. The Tigers are ninth in the conference standings. Faribault is 10th.

Rochester John Marshall (9-3 overall, 7-0 Big Nine Conference) is first in the standings.

Next, the Albert Lea will host Waseca at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Waseca compiled an 11-2 overall record and has one common opponent with Albert Lea: New Ulm. The Tigers beat the Eagles 54-52 at the Windom tournament on Dec. 28, and the Blue Jays beat the Eagles 83-25 on Jan. 3.