EAST LANSING – In front of a sold-out and hostile crowd, No. 4 Michigan State hockey captured its first Big Ten tournament title in program history with a thrilling 5-4 overtime win over rival No. 11 Michigan.

“You can argue that might have been the biggest game in Munn history,” MSU head coach Adam Nightingale said. “That crowd was awesome, and for them to be able to stick with us and believe in us makes it even more special.”

Freshman defenseman Patrick Geary was the hero for MSU, scoring the game-winning goal in overtime. Graduate forward Reed Lebster and fifth-year senior Nicolas Muller picked up the game-winning assists on the goal.

In a game featuring several different momentum-changing plays, the Spartans rose to the occasion when it mattered most. Five Spartans recorded goals in the win including impressive performances from senior forward Jeremy Davidson and sophomore defenseman Matt Basgall.

“Our crowd really energized our guys down the stretch,” said Nightingale. “We responded multiple times throughout the game from being down, they [Michigan] had some good pushes.”

Freshman goaltender Trey Augustine recorded 33 saves in the win and was named the most outstanding player of the Big Ten Tournament.

Sophomore defenseman Daniel Russell and junior forward Tanner Kelly also recorded goals in the win. Russell was named to the All-Big Ten Tournament team along with senior defenseman Nash Nienhuis.

Sophomore forward Frank Nazar III led the Wolverines in the loss, scoring two goals, while graduate defenseman Marshall Warren and junior forward Dylan Duke also recorded goals.

The Spartans will now wait to see where they are selected for the NCAA Tournament on Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

“We’ve got areas to clean up, dress rehearsal is done and it’s win or go home,” said Nightingale. “We’ve got to make sure we get a little rest, and be ready for whoever we’re gonna play.”