GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Western Michigan fell to Michigan State 3-1 in the championship game of the Great Lakes Invitational on Monday night at Van Andel Arena. 

Alex Bump and Samuel Sjolund were named to the GLI All-Tournament Team following the game. Zach Nehring had the Broncos' lone goal in the setback. 

FIRST PERIOD
The Broncos controlled much of the play in the opening part of the first period, getting a strong chance from Sjolund in the opening minute. Tim Washe and Iiro Hakkarainen had shots saved before MSU was called for a cross checking penalty. 

The Brown and Gold worked the puck around the zone and Grant Slukynsky fired a shot on net that was tipped in by Nehring for the game's first goal. The tally was Nehring's fourth of the season and made it a 1-0 WMU lead with under nine minutes to play in the opening frame. 

However, about 11 seconds later, MSU was able to tie the game with a goal from Tiernan Shoudy. Liam Valente eventually forced the Spartans into another penalty, slipping by the defense in the offensive zone. He was hooked on the play, and WMU went back on the power play. 

Western Michigan had a couple chances, but Michigan State would eventually get back to full strength. Down the stretch of the period, each side had quality chances. The game would go to the second 20 minutes tied at 1-1. 

SECOND PERIOD
Slukynsky had a nice look on net early in the middle period, having it turned away. From there, Bump had two shots saved while Wyatt Schingoethe had another gloved by Luca Di Pasquo. 

In the middle of the period, WMU was sent off for slashing. The Broncos blocked a shot and Cameron Rowe saved another to get back to full strength. Down the stretch of the period, WMU would get good looks on net from Washe and Slukynsky. However, the two teams would remain tied going to the final 20 minutes of play. 

THIRD PERIOD
Rowe made a flurry of saves early in the final period, stopping four consecutive shots. MSU would push in front a little bit later, though, as Joey Larson found the back of the net. 

Following that goal, Washe and Bump had shots saved by Di Pasquo. In the back half of the period, WMU ramped up its offensive pressure. However, Di Pasquo was there to make some key saves. MSU eventually scored a third goal to go up 3-1 with just over five minutes to play. 

The Broncos pulled their goalie looking to find two goals. WMU would get a pair of looks on net, but Michigan State would go on to claim the victory. 

UP NEXT
WMU returns home to face Alaska Anchorage on Dec. 3-4 at Lawson Arena. Friday's puck drop is set for 7 PM.