The Albert Lea Tigers’ defense wasn’t up to par on Tuesday night and Rochester John Marshall’s Nate Miller took advantage.

Miller, the Rockets senior guard, torched the Tigers defense all night, as he racked up a game-high 38 points, and John Marshall blew past Albert Lea, 75-62.

“We had no answer for Miller,” said Albert Lea head coach Lucas Kreuscher. “We couldn’t guard him off the dribble.”

Miller slashed through the Tiger defense and hit shots from the perimeter and was the difference for the Rockets as he helped them overcome a poor shooting night from the field.

Albert Lea didn’t do itself any favors by committing 17 turnovers and shooting just 27 percent from the field.

Turnovers have concerned Kruescher throughout the season and said his guard play must improve.

“Our guards need to take better care of the basketball,” Kreusher said. “Our guards need to step up.”

Still the Tigers had chances to climb back into the game throughout spots. Albert Lea trailed by as much as 13 points in the first half, before mounting an 8-0 run that closed the gap to 33-25 at halftime.

In the second half, Albert Lea closed to within eight but couldn’t close the gap.

Kyle Ooms led the way for Albert Lea, scoring a team-high 20 points. Colby Strilaeff chipped in 13 points, while Cameron Hove scored 10.

The Tigers play Thursday when they travel to New Prague.

John Marshall 75, Albert Lea 62

John Marshall 33 42 — 75

Albert Lea 25 37 — 62

Rochester John Marshall scoring: Nate Miller 38, John Mattison 12, Kadri Plott 9, Mitch Johnson 8, Jacob Guthmiller 4, Louis Hermansen 4.

Albert Lea scoring: Kyle Ooms 20, Colby Strilaeff 13, Cameron Hove 10, Taylor Bordelon 8, Alik Smed 5, Damian Montes 4, Aaron Klatt 2.