Box Score Box Score

MANKATO, Minn. – Dominic Zombo scored early in the third period and the Omaha hockey team held on to beat Minnesota State, 2-1, forcing a deciding game three in the WCHA first round playoff series.

The two teams will face off on Sunday at 7:07 p.m. at the Verizon Wireless Center.

On the game-winning goal, Zombo and Brian O'Rourke worked a give-and-go entering the Minnesota State zone.  O'Rourke got the puck to Zombo who whipped a shot that stayed on the ice, slipping under MSU goalie Stephon Williams at 5:21.  It was his team leading fifth game-winning goal this season.

UNO protected the lead down the stretch, getting several key saves from John Faulkner.  The fifth-year senior finished with 34 saves, tying the team season high, and in the process passed Dan Ellis with his 54th career win, most all-time in UNO history.

Minnesota State got the first lead of game at 10:46 of the first period.  Chase Grant forced the puck off Matt White's stick and fed Matt Leitner who roofed a shot over Faulkner.

The Mavericks tied the game a little more than three and a half minutes later.  Mike Young fired a shot from the right point that bounced through a maze of skates in front of Williams.  James Polk missed with a turnaround shot, but Charlie Adams was able to steer in the rebound off a stick on the ice for his second goal of the year.

The teams battled through a scoreless second period with Minnesota State outshooting the Mavericks 13-9 thanks to a pair of power plays.

The Mavericks improved their record to 8-13 in conference playoff action when facing elimination.  On Sunday, they'll attempt to win their first road playoff series since they played their very first playoff series, at Northern Michigan in March of 2000.