With Albert Lea’s top scorer and primary ball-handler on the sidelines with a sprained ankle, the Tigers lost 48-25 to Faribault in a Big Nine Conference girls’ basketball game Tuesday night.

Wednesday, January 31, 2001

With Albert Lea’s top scorer and primary ball-handler on the sidelines with a sprained ankle, the Tigers lost 48-25 to Faribault in a Big Nine Conference girls’ basketball game Tuesday night.

&uot;I don’t want to just talk about Amber, because that’s not fair to all the other girls, but with her not in there it made a big difference,&uot; said Hansen. &uot;When you lose somebody who’s half your offense and 90 percent of your ball-handling responsibility, it will affect the way your team plays.&uot;

The way it affected the Tigers, according to Hansen, was mostly with turnovers. They had way too many.

&uot;Before we could get the offense set up, we’d lose the handle on the ball or try to create something that wasn’t there,&uot; said Hansen. &uot;It was not one of our better performances, that’s for sure. The kids know they can play better.&uot;

Hansen said it didn’t help that inclement weather canceled Monday’s practice and prevented the Tigers from making adjustments to playing without Sickels, whose status is listed as day to day.

&uot;Everyone has to adjust to a different role,&uot; said Hansen. &uot;Some kids did a real nice job.&uot;

The Tigers, 1-10 in the Big Nine and 3-10 overall, host Mankato East Thursday.