The Albert Lea boys’ basketball is looking to put a difficult 2015-16 season behind it. New head coach Lucas Novosad talked about laying the foundation over the summer to build the program back up.

Tuesday night, the Tigers had their first test of the season — Northfield — a team that went 17-9 last season.

It appears the Tigers still have a little ways to go, as they were handled by the Raiders, 71-45.

Albert Lea was led by Tanner Wichmann and Sean Wadding with 10 points apiece. Brady Solie finished with nine points and Jack Buendorf had 7, as those four players combined for 29 of the team’s 45 points in the loss.

Albert Lea will be in Owatonna on Friday.

Tip is set for 7:30 p.m.