After playing three of the top four teams in the Big Nine Conference standings in consecutive games, the Albert Lea girls’ basketball team faced a team in the bottom half of the standings.

However, Red Wing was consistent from beyond the arc on Friday, and the Tigers lost 66-43 at Albert Lea.

The Wingers (9-9, 8-6 Big Nine) made 12-of-27 3-point attempts to account for more than half of their total offensive production. Morgan Zebro made a game-high six treys, and Tayzha Buck was 5-of-8 from long range.

“We need to do a better job of communicating on defense, getting out on the shooters and knowing the other team’s tendencies,” said Albert Lea coach Lindsey Hugstad-Vaa.

Although Albert Lea trailed 35-25 at halftime and cut Red Wing’s 3-point baskets in half in the second half, the Wingers pulled away to post their second win in the last six games.

Megan Kortan scored a game-high 26 points for the Tigers. She was 6-of-12 from the field, 3-of-7 from the 3-point line and 5-of-5 at the charity stripe. She also posted a team-high eight rebounds and seven steals.

“She plays tough until the end no matter what,” Hugstad-Vaa said.

Rachel Rehnelt tied Red Wing’s McKenzie Cota with a game-high seven assists. Rehnelt also had six points, four rebounds and three steals.

Fran Eckstrom added eight points on 4-of-11 shooting for the Tigers.

Next, Albert Lea (2-15, 1-13 Big Nine) will play at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Faribault (2-15, 0-14 Big Nine). The Tigers beat the Falcons 51-47 on Dec. 12. It was Albert Lea’s 10th straight win over Faribault.