MENDOTA HEIGHTS, Minn. – Josh Groll wheeled around the net, then threw a pass back to the short side for Rhett Pitlick's game-winning overtime one-timer 24 seconds into the extra session as Minnesota State secured crucial points in the race toward the MacNaughton Cup Saturday night over St. Thomas. Pitlick's 11^th of the year came just 23 seconds into extra time, helping the Mavericks to a series split with the Tommies.
 
The game was played at St. Thomas Ice Arena on the second night of a home-and-home series as the Mavericks improved to 9-2-2 on Saturdays in 2024-25.
 
The Mavericks (18-8-2, 13-5-2 CCHA) return to Mankato to host No. 19 Augustana on Friday, February 7 with six games remaining on the schedule. 
 
Evan Murr carried the puck down the wall and fed it in front for Luciano Wilson, who jammed home his fourth goal of the year to give the Mavericks a 1-0 lead 5:12 into the contest. Ralfs Bergmanis added his second assist of the weekend and Murr collected his 11^th helper of the season. The Mavericks held a 9-3 advantage in shots on goal through 20 minutes.
 
Jake Bracchini skated in from the left point and fired a low shot, tipped in front of Alex Tracy by Caige Sterzer at 10:43. Cooper Gay also assisted on the even strength marker, knotting the score 1-1 in the second period.
 
Kaden Bohlsen responded for the Mavericks after a turnover in the neutral zone led to nifty passing between Bohlsen, Luigi Benincasa and Zack Krajnik. Bohlsen wired his seventh of the season from the top of the circle past goaltender Aaron Trotter. The Mavericks took a 2-1 edge into the third period after St. Thomas outshot MSU 13-8.
 
Tracy played well in the crease, including a late stop on the short side against Lucas Wahlin at the 16:30 mark of the final frame. With Trotter off the ice and 1:09 left on the clock, Chase Foley scored on a wraparound to Tracy's left, tying the game at 2-2. Groll collected his 15^th assist on Pitlick's overtime game-winner.
 
The Tommies outshot the Mavericks 30-22. MSU killed three penalties while finishing 0-2 on the power play. St. Thomas (11-12-5, 8-8-4 CCHA) travels to Bowling Green next weekend.
 
Note: Due to Augustana playing fewer conference games than the rest of the league, the regular season standings will be determined by points percentage. The teams total points are divided by games played times three. The team accumulating the highest points percentage during CCHA regular season league contests shall be the CCHA regular season champion.