The Albert Lea girls’ basketball team dropped an opportunity to knock off Big Nine leader Owatonna Tuesday by falling 56-53 despite leading at halftime.

The Tigers held a 26-25 halftime lead after Morgan Stadheim hit a 3-pointer to end the first half, but Albert Lea wasn’t able to hold on to a halftime lead for the third time this season as the Huskies (5-5, 4-0 Big Nine) ran past the Tigers in the second half.

Albert Lea committed 18 turnovers in the game, but shot 42 percent from the field.

Mikaela Pierson led the Tigers with a season-high 20 points and Stadheim finished with 18 points, but Abbey Arends was limited to six points.

Trisha Benjamin led the Huskies with 17 points and Sarah McCann added 11.

Albert Lea plays Faribault at home Friday.

Owatonna 56, Albert Lea 53

Albert Lea 26 27 — 53

Owatonna 25 31 — 56

Albert Lea scoring: Mikaela Pierson 20, Morgan Stadheim 18, Abbey Arends 6, Taylor Friehl 6, Sarah Wenum 3.

Owatonna scoring: Trisha Benjamin 17, Sarah McCann 11, Caitlyn Hayford 8, Sam Anderson 8, Katie Rockensock 6, Maren Wille 3, Vanessa Brage 3.