M2 Illinois State University tried to dig itself out of a two-goal hole, but M2 Northern Illinois University held on for a 4-3 victory.

M2 Northern Illinois University took a 4-2 lead during the second period, only to have M2 Illinois State University storm back on a Clint Zumer goal 8:58 into the third period to pull to one goal down.

Max Finley had a great game for M2 Northern Illinois University, netting two goals. Finley scored at 9:32 into the first period to make the score 1-1 and again while 8:22 into the second to make the score 3-1 M2 Northern Illinois University.

M2 Illinois State University was unable to stop M2 Northern Illinois University from sending pucks towards the net, and M2 Northern Illinois University eventually piled up 40 shots on goal.

Others who scored for M2 Northern Illinois University included Joe Serpico and Nick Leon, who scored one goal each. Other players who recorded assists for M2 Northern Illinois University were Justin Rucinski, who had two and Ron Coletta, Mark Greenberg, Troy Heurlin, John Luciana, Kevin Schwartz, and Brandon Niedziela, who each chipped in one.

M2 Illinois State University racked up the penalties in the contest, and ended with six minors and two majors for 42 minutes in penalty time. M2 Illinois State University surpassed its season average of 20.0 penalty minutes per game. M2 Illinois State University's offense operated below its season average. M2 Illinois State University averages 6.1 goals per game. M2 Illinois State University forced M2 Northern Illinois University goalie Alex Hare to work between the pipes, taking 47 shots.

M2 Illinois State University was helped by Parker Johnson, who registered one goal. Johnson scored 8:22 into the first period to make the score 1-0 M2 Illinois State University. Trent Webb provided the assist. M2 Illinois State University also got a goal from Brad Schodin as well. In addition, M2 Illinois State University received assists from Tim Talty, Mason Rosenberg, Luke Morin, and Jeremy Gaddo, who contributed one each.

M2 Northern Illinois University's Hare stopped 44 shots out of the 47 that he faced. M2 Northern Illinois University totaled 41 minutes in penalty time with three minors and three majors and went 1-for-5 on the power play. David Krienke rejected 36 shots on goal for M2 Illinois State University. M2 Illinois State University registered one goal on one power play opportunities.