MANKATO, Minn. – A slow second-period start doomed No. 14 Minnesota State men's hockey Saturday night as St. Thomas won 4-2 at Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in CCHA action.
 
St. Thomas outshot the Mavericks 27-20, including 15-7 in the middle frame. Minnesota State (12-6-5, 8-4-3 CCHA) heads to Michigan Tech next for a weekend series on Friday, Jan. 16.
 
The Mavericks held a 9-8 shot advantage in a scoreless first period. Luigi Benincasa and Tristan Lemyre hit the post, and the Tommies killed 1:38 of a 5-on-3 power play.
 
St. Thomas scored four even-strength goals over 7:33 to start the second period. Lucas Wahlin started at the 21 second mark with a high short-side shot off the rush. Attila Lippai made it 2-0 with a wrist shot through a screen in front of goaltender Alex Tracy. Lucas Van Vliet sprang Quinton Pepper for a partial breakaway and a goal. Then Ryan O'Neill one-timed a pass from Alex Gaffney.
 
The Mavericks got on the scoreboard in the third period. Freshman Mason LeBel wristed a shot over the Aaron Trotter's blocker at 10:40, assisted by Fin Williams and Evan Murr. It was LeBel's second goal of the season.
 
Jakob Stender added his third goal of the season with 32 seconds left in regulation. Evan Murr and Reid Morich collected assists. St. Thomas won the season series between CCHA foes 2-1 with a split in October.
 
St. Thomas (13-5-5, 9-3-3 CCHA) jumped the Mavericks for first place in the conference standings. Aaron Trotter made 18 saves for the Tommies.