Size has been a factor for the Albert Lea boys’ basketball team all season and it was never more clear than Friday against Winona in a 78-38 loss in Winona.

The Winhawks have seven players 6-foot-4 or taller, including 6-foot-10 Alec Brown. The Tigers have no players taller than 6-foot-4.

The disparity showed in the rebounding totals as Winona (9-10, 8-6) had 54 rebounds, including 26 offensive rebounds. Albert Lea (1-20, 0-14) tallied 23 total rebounds.

What made matters worse was the Tigers lost one of its bigs in the first minute of play when 6-foot-4 Alik Smed sustained a knee injury and he did not return. The injury does not appear to be serious.

Four Winhawk players scored in double figures Friday with Alex Miene and Joe Zimbric leading the way with 16 points each. Chad Peterson scored 13 and Alec Brown added 12.

Sean Templeman led the Tigers with eight points while Colby Strilaeff was held scoreless.

Winona 78, Albert Lea 38

Albert Lea 25 13 — 38

Winona 54 24 — 78

Albert Lea scoring: Sean Templeman 8, Brandon Antl 7, Aaron Klatt 7, Woody Dahl 5, Damian Montes 4, Colton Zuniga 4, Cameron Solie 3,

Winona: Alex Miene 16, Joe Zimbric 16, Chad Peterson 13, Alec Brown 12, Mark Blacklock 9, Eric Krall 6, Tom Blacklock 5, August Judisch 2, Anthony Inman 1.