MILWAUKEE – Freshman James Ring scored a wrap-around goal in overtime of a mini-game to send the MSOE hockey team to the semifinals of the NCHA Harris Cup Playoffs past Marian Saturday afternoon at the Kern Center.

The Raiders (17-10) fell to the Sabres (14-12-1) in the second game of the series to force a mini-game. In the mini-game, Ring's goal at 8:36 of overtime was the difference in a 3-2 win for the Red & White. It advances to next Saturday's semifinals, where it will play at No. 1 seed Adrian or No. 2 St. Norbert.

MINI-GAME BOX SCORE

Ring's goal capped a dramatic mini-game. After winning the earlier game, the Sabres jumped ahead early on in the 20-minute mini-game. Ben Morgan struck at 1:14 of the period.

At 6:32, junior Kevin LoGiudice pulled the Red & White back even, finishing on a power play to even the score.

Marian would pull ahead again at 11:27 on a goal by RJay Berra, setting up a dramatic equalizer by freshman Clint Garris with just 1:17 remaining in the mini-game.

The Raiders went on the offensive immediately in the overtime period and did not relent until Ring netted the winner. They outshot the Sabres 9-1 in overtime.

Junior Nick Kohn made eight saves in the mini-game and MU's Mike Baldwin made 13.

MSOE had won the series opener on Friday, 6-3, setting up a must-win situation for Marian. Brian Berger tallied a hat trick as the Sabres  came out strong and spent the first two periods playing on the front foot.

The visitors scored first at 8:28 of the opening period, only to see the Raiders respond with a goal of their own 69 seconds later. Then, after making it 2-1 just 27 seconds into the second period, the Red & White struck back after just 54 seconds.

Berger's third goal gave the visitors some breathing room, coming at 6:23 and providing a 3-2 lead they would hold. Mark Whitely added an insurance goal at 8:17 of the final period to help ensure the series would head to a mini-game.

Facing deficits at 1-0 and 2-1, the Raiders quickly responded. In the first period, it was Ring scoring at 9:37. Then, LoGiudice netted another equalizer at 1:21 of the second period.

Kohn made 26 saves in the game, while Baldwin stopped 25 shots.