MANKATO, Minn. (AP) — Chase Grant’s goal early in overtime lifted Minnesota State, Mankato to a 4-3 win over Nebraska-Omaha in a first-round playoff game in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association on Friday night.

Grant’s seventh goal of the season gives Minnesota State (23-11-3) a one-game lead in the best-of-three series. Nebraska-Omaha (18-17-2) is reeling, having lost five straight, six counting an exhibition loss to the US Under-18 team.

JP LaFontaine had a goal and two assists for MSUM. Zach Palmquist chipped in a goal and an assist.

UNO outshot MSUM 35-34 but Stephon Williams came away with the win after stopping 32 shots.

John Faulkner had 30 saves for UNO, which got goal from Ryan Walters, Matt White and Brent Gwidt.

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