It was a matchup of Tigers — Albert Lea and Stewartville — Thursday night.

Albert Lea was still searching for its first win while Stewartville was looking for its second win.

Despite a good first half, the Tigers faltered a bit in the second half and it led to their demise, a 54-35 loss.

“We played with discipline and patience in the first half,” Tigers coach Lucas Novosad said. “But we couldn’t sustain our momentum and discipline in the second half. We are making strides. We just need to keep believing in what we are doing.”

Albert Lea will have a lengthy break and won’t play until Jan. 3 against Red Wing.