Following Monday night’s blowout loss to North Branch Albert Lea boys’ basketball head coach Chad Feikema spoke about his team’s difficulty starting games, it looked like the Tigers got the message Tuesday in a 81-48 thumping of Murray County Central.

Albert Lea (1-5) bolted to a 31-8 start behind some hot shooting from junior Colby Strilaeff and some aggressive penetration from senior Brandon Antl.

Antl and Strilaeff combined for 39 points and Antl set a career-high with 19 points in the game.

Antl’s driving forced the Rebel defense to collapse which left Strileaff open from 3-point range. Strilaeff made six 3-pointers and only had one 2-point field goal in the game.

“We just knew we had to come out with a lot of energy because in past games we’ve gotten out to a slow start,” Antl said. “We just wanted to make sure we got the lead early.”

Strilaeff hit two 3s early to give Albert Lea a 9-2 lead and Antl scored the three baskets in a row, including a 3-point play to build a 21-6 lead.

“I think Brandon, when he is looking to go to the basket like that, really adds a new dimension to our team,” Feikema said.

Antl and Strilaeff worked off of each other throughout the game and that combination will continue to be an important piece to the season for the Tigers.

“Brandon has a good understanding of how teams are going to defend Colby,” Feikema said. “They’re going to lock him down and not allow him to get shots. Brandon understands that and can drive in Colby’s direction and there are lanes that open up there.”

Albert Lea started the game with more defensive intensity and created two turnovers in the first four Rebel possessions.

“We really needed to pick it up on defense and I think we did a good job tonight,” Antl said.

Albert Lea’s lone win last year came against Murray County Central and that gave the Tigers added confidence heading into the game.

“We came to this game knowing that we had a shot at winning,” Strilaeff said. “It’s been a while since we’ve won a game. I think this is a big confidence builder.”

While Feikema was pleased with the way the team performed, he also stressed to the team that wins are relative and it was just one game.

“We showed what we can do,” Feikema said. “We did our job today. We’ve got to get ready and do our job on Saturday.’

The Tigers face Austin in Albert Lea Saturday at 3 p.m.

Albert Lea 81, Murray County Central 48

Murray County Central 23 25 – 48

Albert Lea 41 40 – 81

Murray County Central scoring: Mark Bau 11, Tyler Streff 9, Kyle Lewis 8, Eric Wieneke 7, Alex Peterson 4, Alex Kleve 3, Justin Lassen 2, Jase Bly 2, Ryan Prahm 2.

Field goals: 35 percent (17-for-48); 3-pointers 0 percent; free throws: 58 percent (10-for-17).

Albert Lea scoring: Colby Strilaeff 20, Brandon Antl 19, Sean Templeman 9, Colton Zuniga 8, Arron Klatt 5, Alik Smed 5, Silas Randall 4, Josh Eisenbraun 4, Cameron Solie 2, Hector Rivera 2.

Field goals: 52 percent (34-for-65); 3-pointers: 38 percent (10-for-26); free throws: 100 percent (3-for-3).