Turnovers played a major role in ninth-ranked Albert Lea&8217;s 55-46 loss to Rochester Century Tuesday in Rochester.

The Tigers had a 26-22 lead at halftime but Century took advantage of Albert Lea&8217;s sloppiness with the ball to get to the foul line where it amassed 16 of its 33 second half points.

&8220;We took good care of the ball in the first half and we didn&8217;t in the second half,&8221; Albert Lea head coach Karol Hansen said. &8220;They also outrebounded us by six.&8221;

Century hit on 83 percent of its free throws in the game while Albert Lea made just half of its attempts.

&8220;We had our chances in the game we just couldn&8217;t convert,&8221; Hansen said.

Niki Hendrickson led the way for the Tigers with 13 points, Hali Hendrickson added 16 and Ali Demmer had 10.

The Tigers (9-3) are back in action Friday when they host Austin.

NRHEG 63, USC 51

The New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale girls&8217; basketball team remained perfect in Gopher Conference play this season with a 63-51 victory over United South Central Tuesday in New Richland.

Alyssa Hagen led the way for the Panthers with 21 points and 10 rebounds, Jasmine Brouwers added 19 points and six steals and Kelsey Christensen had seven points and 10 assists.

NRHEG (6-0) faces fellow conference unbeaten Blooming Prairie at home Thursday.