ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota State scored three unanswered third-period goals to upend St. Thomas 3-1 Friday night at the brand new Lee & Penny Anderson Arena. The win extended MSU's unbeaten streak to six straight, dating back to October 10. Sophomore forward Liam Watkins (Okotoks, Alberta) posted one goal and one assist to lead the comeback.

"I was happy for our group to stay on our plan," reflected head coach Luke Strand. "Not letting the score dictate how you play is a great sign of maturity. It was a good road win."
 
The Mavericks (4-1-2, 1-0-0 CCHA) conclude their series with the Tommies (2-5-1, 0-1-0 CCHA) Saturday night at 6:07 p.m. at Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center.
 
St. Thomas struck first with an even-strength goal 13:59 into the opening period. Luc Laylin caught a piece of Hayes Hundley's right-point shot. Goaltender Alex Tracy was screened on the play. Bauer Berry collected the second assist. The Tommies held a 1-0 edge heading into the third period, including an 18-10 advantage in shots on goal.
 
Watkins picked up the equalizer for the Mavericks to begin the final period. William Ingemann made a pad save off the initial shot by Liam Hupka and Watkins buried it at 1:32.
 
Following the goal, the Mavericks hit the crossbar and then the post on the power play before the five-minute mark. Felikss Gavars created a scoring chance when he intercepted a center ice outlet pass and shot from the high slot, but Ingemann made the stop.
 
Another power play expired for the Mavericks before junior defenseman Evan Murr (Stillwater, Minn.) skated in from the top of the offensive zone and wired a wrist shot past Ingemann for a 2-1 lead. Murr scored his third goal of the season at 12:17. Mason Wheeler and Liam Watkins picked up assists.
 
Tristan Lemyre converted a sharp-angle shot for an empty net goal to preserve the win for the Mavericks. MSU held a 12-7 edge in shots over the final 20 minutes of regulation.
 
Penalty kills were perfect for both teams. The Mavericks finished 0-5. The Tommies were 0-1. Murr and Gavars led MSU with four shots on goal apiece and Jakob Stender won six of 11 faceoffs.