Coach Karol Hansen held a sheet of paper in her hand as she addressed the Albert Lea High School girls’ basketball team before the third-place game of the Tiger Classic.

It detailed a disturbing disparity between the Tigers and their opponents on free throws and fouls, and prompted the coach to issue a challenge.

&uot;I said, ‘I don’t care what else we do the rest of the game, we need to get to the free-throw line 15 to 20 times,’&uot; said Hansen.

The Tigers made it to the line 22 times. And they won for the second time this season, defeating Faribault Bethlehem Academy 46-38 Saturday.

Hansen said the Tigers responded by taking the ball to the basket more than in previous games which, in turn, helped open things up for their outside shooters.

&uot;Our perimeter shooting was a big factor,&uot; said Hansen. &uot;We had five threes.&uot;

The first half was one of the Tigers’ best of the year as they led 14-5 and 25-14 at the breaks.

The Cardinals came out aggressive and were hot from the floor in the third quarter, when they cut the lead to 32-29. The Tigers picked up the pace again in the fourth.

&uot;The kids kept their composure,&uot; said Hansen.

Jess Hanson’s 11 points paced Albert lea. She also had four steals. Danielle Rankin had nine points, Amy Ravenhorst eight points, seven rebounds and four steals, Jenny Hovendick seven points and five steals, Amber Edwards six points and three steals, Ashley Helgerson four points, Nicole Rafdal one point. Ravenhorst had two three-point hoops.

Hansen again praised the Tigers’ effort on defense.

&uot;Overall, it was a very, very balanced effort for us,&uot; said Hansen. &uot;All the girls who played did an excellent job.&uot;

Heather Stegenga, who played four quarters in the JV game, came off the bench and provided quality minutes in the second half, according to Hansen.

The Tigers are back to Big Nine play Friday at home against Rochester Mayo. They travel to Northfield for a nonconference game Saturday.