EAST LANSING – No. 4 Michigan State hockey was back on the ice to face off against Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament semifinal at Munn Ice Arena.

In what was a hostile postseason environment, the top-seeded Spartans defeated the Buckeyes 2-1 to advance to their first Big Ten Tournament final in program history.

The Spartans were led by sophomore forward Daniel Russell, who scored his 11th goal of the season in the win along with an impressive 37-save performance by freshman goaltender Trey Augustine.

“I thought it was a back-and-forth type checking game, Trey made some big saves for us,” said MSU head coach Adam Nightingale.

With the game tied at 1 early in the third period, after a goal by Ohio State’s Max Montes, senior defenseman Nash Nienhuis scored the game-deciding goal 13 seconds after Montes’ goal to put MSU up 2-1.

“That line was great for us and they always are, they create a lot of energy for us,” said Nienhuis.

An Ohio State goal that would’ve tied the game at 2 was called back after the Buckeyes were called offside, which was a key turning point in the game.

“Sometimes they go your way, sometimes they don’t,” said Nightingale. “Things happen fast, the game is getting so fast it’s hard for the officials to see that stuff live, that was a big-time call.”

For the Buckeyes, junior goaltender Logan Terness recorded 36 saves in the loss.

“I thought their [Ohio State] guy made some big-time saves, especially in the second on a couple of breakaways,” said Nightingale. “This group has done a good job at responding.”

The Spartans will face off against No. 11 Michigan next Saturday with the Big Ten Tournament title on the line. Puck drop is set for 8 p.m.