LOVELAND, Colo. --- Western Michigan used two second period goals to open a 2-0 lead and added an empty net goal with six seconds remaining to secure a 3-1 victory over Minnesota State in the opening round of the NCAA tournament.

After both teams skated to a scoreless first period, the Broncos opened the second with a goal at the 2:12 mark as Zaccharya Wisom scored as he redirected a shot from Samuel Sjolund. WMU added another goal at 8:22 when Zach Bookman scored, extending the lead to 2-0.

The Mavericks cut the lead in half 47 seconds into the third period as sophomore Alex Zetterberg scored his seventh of the season with assists coming from junior Ean Somoza and senior Tristan Lemyre.

Minnesota State pushed for the equalizer the entire third period.  The Broncos secured the win with an empty net goal at 19:54 as Owen Michaels scored.

"I'm super proud of our group," said head coach Luke Strand.  "Our seniors have been unreal to our program and their future is incredibly bright."

Western Michigan finished the night with 26 shots on goal while the Mavericks registered 24. 

Minnesota State's season ends with a 22-11-7 record.