The Albert Lea boys’ basketball team earned a 61-59 Big Nine Conference road win over Faribault on Friday.

“This was a close game, and as we get into the postseason, games are going to be tight,” Albert Lea head coach Lucas Kreuscher said. “Now we can say we’ve been there before.”

After Faribault took a seven-point lead in the first half, Albert Lea battled back to take a four-point advantage into the half (31-27).

The Tigers had a tough night, shooting the ball, Kreuscher said. But, Albert Lea made up for it with hustle.

“We had 18 offensive rebounds on the night,” he said. “Miles Erdman and Cody Scherff rebounded well.”

In a game decided by two points, free-throw shooting was key. The Tigers made 11-of-12 shots from the charity stripe.

Dylan See-Rockers and Scherff each earned double-doubles.

See-Rockers scored 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Scherff scored 13 points and amassed 10 boards.

Tyler Vandenheuvel also shot well, adding 14 points and three rebounds.

Albert Lea improved to 11-10 overall, 6-9 in the Big Nine Conference and 4-4 in its section.

Next, the Tigers host Rochester Century at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Albert Lea defeated the Panthers 61-60 on the road earlier this season.

The Tigers are fifth in the Section 1AAA standings. Winona is fourth in the standings at 12-10 overall and 3-4 in its section.

Winona hosts Albert Lea at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.