Albert Lea girls’ basketball head coach Sean Gillam knew his team had a tough week of games this week and its biggest challenge came Friday against Big Nine leader John Marshall in Rochester.

The Tigers scored just seven points in the first half against the Rockets (11-3, 9-1) as the athleticism and size of John Marshall were too much for Albert Lea.

“We had a tough one tonight,” Gillam said. “Their length bothered us tonight. They are athletic and big.”

Led by Division I recruit Nytor Longar, the Rockets pressured the Tigers into turnovers from the outset. Albert Lea (5-10, 3-6) committed 23 turnovers and shot 18 percent from the field.

Meanwhile, John Marshall couldn’t miss, hitting 7 of 13 3-pointers in the first half en route to a 42-7 lead.

“It’s never a good thing to score seven points in the first half,” Gillam said.

Longar had a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds while Rachel Stenhaug added 19 points.

The Rockets controlled the glass, outrebounding Albert Lea 28-11.

Alyssa Sager led the Tigers with six point and Abbey Arends and Heather Greibrok added five apiece.

Albert Lea faces New Ulm Monday in Albert Lea.

John Marshall 57, Albert Lea 23

Albert Lea 7 16 — 23

John Marshall 42 15 — 57

Albert Lea scoring: Alyssa Sager 6, Abbey Arends 5, Heather Greibrok 5, Lana Howe 3, Katie Schou 2, Morgan Stadheim 2.

John Marshall scoring: Rachel Stenhaug 19, Nytor Longar 11, Alyssa Rushton 10, Apiew Ojulu 8, Taylor Thompson 5, Kristi Thelen 3, Jasmine Dittrich 1.