(LEBANON, Ill., Oct. 11)--The McKendree University hockey team dropped a close 3-2 decision Saturday evening on the road against Illinois State University.

The Bearcats and IceBirds were knotted 2-2 heading into the final minute of play when the hosts netted the game-winner with just 52.9 seconds on the clock. McKendree slips to 5-4 overall and will host Bradley University next for a two-game weekend series at the East Alton Ice Arena. Faceoff on Friday is set for 10:45 p.m. before the teams close out the weekend Saturday at 4 p.m.

In Saturday's game, both McKendree goals were scored via the power play. The Bearcats grabbed a 1-0 lead in the first period when forward Dylan Mueth (Lebanon, IL/Wesclin ) scored off a pass from senior forward Andrew Falls (Brentwood, TN/Brentwood). Illinois State tied the contest in the final minute of the first period, then took a 2-1 lead midway through the second period. With just 3:19 remaining before the second intermission, sophomore defenseman Steve Csanyi (Belleville, Ontario, Canada/Nicholson) tied the game for McKendree with the assist going to sophomore forward Ryan Sizer (Belleville, Ontario, Canada/Moira Secondary School).

Freshman Andrew Best (Midland, Ontario, Canada/Cambridge Bears Junior A) drew the start in goal for McKendree. Best was solid all night for the Bearcats, collecting 27 saves in being charged with the hard-luck loss. McKendree held a 36-30 edge in shots on goal against Illinois State.