Basketball Recap: Albert Lea Takes a Loss

Albert Lea was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their fourth straight loss. They took an 88-78 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Dover-Eyota Eagles. The Tigers were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Eagles apparently hadn't forgotten their defeat the last time these teams played back in January of 2024.

Dover-Eyota's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Mat Matejka led the charge by putting up 26 points. That's the most points Matejka has posted since back in December of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Jace Drilling, who scored 20 points.

Albert Lea's loss dropped their record down to 4-18. As for Dover-Eyota, their record now sits at 5-20.

Albert Lea and Dover-Eyota could both be facing uphill battles in their next games considering their disadvantage in the MaxPreps Minnesota Rankings. Albert Lea (ranked 297th) will meet Faribault (ranked 46th) at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Meanwhile, Dover-Eyota will take on Lewiston-Altura at 7:15 p.m. on Friday down 215 places (332 vs. 117).