SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Adam Eisele snapped a one-timer past Josh Kotai 17:59 into the third period and Minnesota State completed a third period comeback, defeating Augustana University 2-1 Saturday night at Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. Eisele's game-winner came after Kotai stopped Evan Murr's initial point shot. Morton secured the rebound along the boards and left it for Eisele in the middle for his sixth tally of the year.
 
The Mavericks (9-8-3) also tied Augustana (6-11-3) 3-3 Friday night in the opening game the non-conference series and first ever meeting between the two teams at the Division I level. MSU returns to Mankato next weekend to host CCHA opponent Ferris State.
 
Luke Mobley posted his first goal of the season for Augustana on the power play in the first period, after he tapped in a loose puck through traffic off a rebound. Colton Friesen and Ryan Naumovski assisted at 11:05.
 
Similar to Friday night, the Mavericks held a sizable advantage in shots on goal throughout, but neither team lit the lamp in the second period. In the third, Sam Morton set up a slapshot for Murr. Kotai made the stop but the rebound found Morton's forehand in the slot and he buried it for his CCHA leading 15^th goal of the season. Murr and Brandon Koch collected helpers.
 
It took the Mavericks another 11 minutes to score the game-winner and down the Vikings in front of 3,363 fans, following a goaltender interference minor against Arnaud Vachon and punctuated by Eisele's sliding celebration. 
 
"I was proud of our group to play a mature and connected team game," commented head coach Luke Strand after the game. "We showed signs of a team with purpose. The guys stood tall at timely moments. Hopefully, we can carry some of that positive energy into next week."
 
Minnesota State totaled 42 shots on goal, following 47 on net the previous night. Kaden Bohlsen led the category with seven. The Mavericks finished 1-5 on the power play while Augustana went 1-4. Keenan Rancier made 26 saves in goal for his third win of the season.
 
MSU plays the remainder of its regular season schedule against conference opponents, with seven of their next 14 at home.