ALBERT LEA -- The Austin Packers refused to go away.

In the end, the Albert Lea Tigers were able to put them away.

The Tigers went on a 12-4 run late in the fourth quarter to secure a 68-58 victory in a Big Nine boys' basketball game at Albert Lea High School Tuesday night.

It completed a regular-season sweep of the Packers for the Tigers, who improved to 5-10 in the conference and 10-10 overall. Austin fell to 6-14 overall and 3-12, last in the Big Nine.

But the Tigers' arch rivals refused to go down easily.

"They're just such a scrappy team, you never felt like a lead was big enough," said Albert Lea coach Matt Addington. "They just keep coming at you."

Addington praised his squad for playing intelligent basketball.

"I'm real proud of how our guys adjusted to situations I asked them to adjust to tonight," said Addington. "I think we made some mental strides tonight. We played a lot smarter basketball."

The fourth quarter was back-and-forth, with the Packers taking a 51-49 lead at the midway point, but that's when the Tigers went on their run. Ben Woodside had a basket and two free-throws and Tyler Young put in two offensive rebounds as the Tigers pulled ahead 61-52 with 1:35 remaining.

Austin called time out and, on the next possession, Young made one of the biggest plays of the night by drawing an charge.

Woodside finished with 31 points, making 12-of-14 free-throw attempts while adding three assists and three steals. Woodside scored 32 points against the Packers in their first meeting in Austin.

"Obviously Woodside is an outstanding player, and he controlled the whole game," said AHS coach Kris Fadness.

John Duren led the Packers with 18 points and five rebounds. Jon Bain had 10 points and eight rebounds, Tucker Schieck seven points and four assists.

Austin plays host to Mankato West Thursday night at Ove Berven Gym.

Boxscore:

AUSTIN (58) -- Mike Tray 6, Kyle Rizzi 2, Joey Kroc 0, Tucker Schieck 7, Jon Bain 10, John Duren 18, Alex Kaiser 15, Jordan VanProosdy 0.

ALBERT LEA (68) -- Steven Thorn 5, Ryan Moore 2, Ben Woodside 31, Tyler Young 14, Ross Habben 2, Tom Munden 8, Mike Behrends 6.

Austin1491916--58

Albert Lea16121614--68