The North Iowa Bulls tried their best to erase a two-goal deficit, but the Granite City Lumberjacks would not be denied the victory and hung on to win, 3-2.

A goal by Tanner Skaja put Granite City up 3-1 in the third period, but North Iowa pulled to within one on Brett Gravelle's tally 19:36 into the third period.

With the win, the Lumberjacks avoided elimination to make the series score 1-1 in the best of three series.

Skaja had a great game for Granite City, netting two goals.

The Lumberjacks put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow the Bulls to score on any of their four power plays. Granite City kept North Iowa's goalie busy throughout the game, and Chris Amsden made 37 saves on 40 shots.

Granite City additionally got points from Travis Kothenbeutel, who also racked up one goal and one assist. In addition, Granite City received assists from David Kenney, who had three and Tyler Mros and Mitchell Gwost, who contributed one each.

Other players who recorded assists for North Iowa were Johnny Panvica and Jake Johnson, who each chipped in two.

Jesse Garcia rejected 25 shots on goal for the Lumberjacks. Granite City incurred eight minutes in penalty time with four minors. The Bulls incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with two minors.