For the first time since 2006 and a span of 28 games, the Albert Lea boys’ basketball team squared off with Austin and came away victorious.

The game started in favor of the No. 9-ranked Packers Tuesday night, as they climbed out to a 9-2 lead and extended that lead to 19-11 midway through the first half of play.

The lead prompted the Tigers  to make a change on defense, which led to them leading a comeback and tying the game at 22-22 with six minutes left before the half.

Both teams traded baskets until they were tied at 31-31. That was until the Tigers took control and scored six straight to head into the break with a 37-31 lead.

The Packers came out in the second half on a 14-2 run, regaining the lead and jumping ahead 45-39.

The Tigers never counted themselves out and slowly clawed their way back into the game, eventually taking a 56-54 lead with just over seven minutes left in the game.

Again the teams traded baskets until back-to-back scores by the senior duo of Connor Veldman and Koby Hendrickson gave the Tigers the lead for good.

Senior Chay Guen made the lead six points with a put back and senior JJ Mucha-Owens hit four straight free throws to shore up the game and complete the stunning victory.

Guen led the Tigers in scoring with 19 points, while also recording 10 rebounds and two steals. Veldman was close behind with 15 points, six rebounds and eight assists. Mucha-Owens and senior Andrew Willner were also in double figures with 12 and 10 points, respectively. Mucha-Owens also had five rebounds and three assists, while Willner added two assists.

Senior Logan Howe and junior Bhan Kuey combined for 14 points. Hendrickson added two points, six rebounds, nine assists and three steals.

The Tigers move to 5-7 on the season and will play again Friday night when they host the 1-11 Falcons of Faribault.

In their earlier meeting this season, the Tigers beat the Falcons 72-48 on the road.