The Knoxville Ice Bears tried to dig themselves out of a four-goal hole, but the Fayetteville FireAntz held on for a 5-3 victory.

Fayetteville took a 5-1 lead during the third period, only to have Knoxville storm back on a Cody Dion goal 19:39 into the third period to pull to two goals down.

Brett Liscomb was all over the ice for the FireAntz, as he tallied one goal and two assists in the win. Liscomb scored on the power play 4:34 into the first period to make the score 2-0 Fayetteville. Fayetteville earned a power play opportunity when Dion was put in the box for tripping. Matt Smyth picked up the assist.

The FireAntz excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in eight chances. Fayetteville outdid its season average for goals scored. The FireAntz have scored at the pace of 2.9 goals per game during the current campaign. Fayetteville was forced to rely heavily on their penalty kill unit throughout the game, as it racked up 23 penalty minutes. The FireAntz's defensemen played an important role in the offense, chipping in two goals. By firing 34 shots on goal, Fayetteville exceeded the 24.9 shots it averages per game this year.

Fayetteville additionally got points from Mike Kavanagh, who also finished with one goal and two assists and Smyth, who also tallied one goal and one assist. Others who scored for Fayetteville included Kyle McNeil and Matt Ridley, who scored one goal each. In addition, Fayetteville received assists from Aaron McGill, Evan Chlanda, Nick Craven, Brandon Greenside, and Chris Greene, who each chipped in one.

The Ice Bears' penalty kill was ineffective, and let in two goals to the FireAntz's power play unit. With 45 shots on target during the contest, Knoxville exceeded the 29.8 shots it averages per game this year.

Knoxville also got points from Jon Higgins, who also grabbed one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. More assists for Knoxville came via Phil Bronner, who had two and Mark Van Vliet, Francis Drolet, and Andrew Himelson, who contributed one a piece.

Brad Fogal recorded 42 saves for Fayetteville. The Ice Bears' starting goalie, Bryan Hince, made 25 saves and finished with the loss before he was taken out in favor of Cody Rosen, who stopped four shots. Knoxville ended with 13 minutes in penalty time with four minors and one major.