Mankato, Minn. ---  After getting shut-out Friday, Minnesota State returned the favor with junior netminder Phil Cook's scintillating performance leading the Mavericks to a 3-0 win over visting Wisconsin at Verizon Wireless Center Saturday night.

The Mavericks took advantage of back-to-back power play opportunities in jumping out to a 2-0 first-period lead. Junior forward Eli Zuck beat Wisconsin freshman Joel Rumpel at 12:02.  Then at 13:53, junior forward Eriah Hayes one-timed a pass from Zuck past Rumpel to make it a 2-0 MSU advantage.

The game remained that way until 19:31 of the final period when senior forward Joe Schiller scored his second goal of the year for an empty net goal to round out the scoring in the game.  Schiller also had assists on the two other goals in giving him a three-point night.

Cook's 32 saves gives him his third career shut-out with the last time he accomplished the feat  was when he had 21 saves in a win over American International Jan. 7, 2011.

The shots were 32-32  in the contest and the Mavericks finished the game with a two-for-three performance in power play chances.  Wisconsin was 0-for-6 in power play opportunities.

Now 7-16-1 overall and 3-12-1 WCHA, MSU has gone 4-4-1 in its last nine games.  The Mavericks continue league action next Friday and Saturday with Nebraska-Omaha visiting Mankato for a two-game set.

Junior goaltender Phil Cook comments following the game: