Mikaela Pierson hit a game-winning shot with 8 seconds to play Tuesday to give the Albert Lea girls’ basketball team a 40-38 victory over Rochester John Marshall in Rochester.

Abbey Arends raced up the court and found Pierson down low for the winning shot and the Tigers moved back to .500.

Albert Lea (5-5, 3-2 Big Nine) jumped out to a 23-13 halftime lead but 19 turnovers in the game caught up to the Tigers and the Rockets rallied in the second half.

“We just did not have our composure tonight,” said Albert Lea head coach Sean Gillam. “It wasn’t our type of night, but we somehow gutted out the win.”

Arends led the Tigers with 12 points while Pierson and Taylor Friehl each had seven.

Albert Lea plays Mankato East Friday in Albert Lea.

Albert Lea 40, John Marshall 38

Albert Lea 23 17 — 40

John Marshall 13 25 — 38

Albert Lea scoring: Abbey Arends 12, Mikaela Pierson 7, Taylor Friehl 7, Morgan Stadheim 5, Sarah Wenum 3, Skyler Anderson 3, Lana Howe 3.

John Marshal scoring: Katelyn Rushton 9, Christina Block 8, Trisha Radke 8, Kristi Thelen 7, Ashley Luedke 3, Megan Haynes 3.