Mankato, Minn. ---   In a nonconference battle between two top-ten rated teams, it was seventh-rated Minnesota State who came out on top of ninth-ranked Minnesota Duluth in Mankato Tuesday.

The host Mavericks got 15 saves from senior netminder Connor LaCouvee in downing the Bulldogs 1-0.

Following a scoreless opening 20 minutes in which Minnesota State owned a 9-5 advantage in shots on goal, the Mavericks struck first on a goal from sophomore winger Parker Tuomie, who one-timed a shot from the left circle off a pass from Marc Michaelis at 17:24. The play started behind Minnesota State's net where junior defenseman Daniel Brickley's outlet pass found Michaelis along the left boards.

The goal by Tuomie, his seventh of the year, held up as the game-winning goal as neither team was able to dent the twine in the final 20 minutes of play.  Tuomie now has two game-winning goals this year and three for his career.

The Mavericks outshot the Bulldogs by a 24-15 margin in the contest. Minnesota State went 0-for-4 with the man advantage, while UMD was 0-for-5.

LaCouvee, who recorded his third career shutout with the win, upped his record to 13-3-0 on the season.

With the win, Minnesota State has now won ten of its last 12 contests and the game was played in front of 3,907 fans.

Minnesota State, which stands 18-7-0 for 2017-18, continues home action with an exhibition contest vs. the USA NTDP U18 team Saturday.  Face-off at Verizon Center is slated for a 7:07 p.m. face-off.

Head coach Mike Hastings commented following the game.