Three periods of regulation and an overtime session were not enough to settle matters as M3-Northern Illinois University defeated M3-Ball State University in a shootout 6-5 (2-1 SO).

The two teams needed three turns to complete the shootout. M3-Ball State University's shootout goal was scored by Josh Wilkinson. In addition to the clincher, M3-Northern Illinois University got a shootout goal from Gregg Jacobson.

M3-Northern Illinois University forced its penalty killing units to work especially hard during the game, picking up 11 minors and one major for 37 minutes in penalty time. M3-Northern Illinois University surpassed its season average of 8.0 penalty minutes per game.

M3-Northern Illinois University was helped by Tyler Hilton, who finished with three goals. M3-Northern Illinois University additionally got points from Michael Neville, who also finished with one goal and two assists. Brandon Bangert also scored for M3-Northern Illinois University. Other players who recorded assists for M3-Northern Illinois University were Thomas Knetl, who had two and Cody Billeck and Jacobson, who contributed one each.

M3-Ball State University put 45 shots on net during the contest, more than the 0.2 it averages per game. M3-Ball State University could not stay out of the penalty box, as the team accrued 26 minutes in penalties during the game.

M3-Ball State University was helped by Wilkinson, who tallied two goals. Wilkinson scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 18:28 into the first period to make the score 2-1 M3-Northern Illinois University. M3-Ball State University had gotten the advantage when M3-Northern Illinois University's Ryan Saunders was sent off for hooking. Mark Grainda assisted on the tally. Wilkinson's next tally on the power play made the score 4-3 M3-Northern Illinois University with 6:24 left in the second period. Brock Frazer picked up the assist. M3-Ball State University also got points from Reese Miller, who also had one goal and one assist and Frazer, who also registered one goal and one assist to lead the team in points. M3-Ball State University also got a goal from Matt Potter as well. In addition, M3-Ball State University received assists from Aidan Wilkinson and Eric Bell, who each chipped in one.

Jakob Tower recorded 40 saves for M3-Northern Illinois University. M3-Northern Illinois University registered three goals on nine power play opportunities. M3-Northern Illinois University ran into serious disciplinary problems during the contest, and Eric Brennan was ejected from the game. Patrick Lawson rejected 22 shots on goal for M3-Ball State University. M3-Ball State University registered two goals on eight power play opportunities.