Mavericks Hand First-Place Americans First Home Loss, 4-3

The Missouri Mavericks had a three-goal third period and came from behind to beat the Allen Americans, 4-3, Thursday night at Allen Event Center. Mavericks' forward Brian Bicek had two goals and two assists including the game-winning goal, and goaltender Mike Clemente had 32 saves on 35 shots for his third win of the season. Missouri killed all five of the Americans' power play chances, and the Mavericks (4-5-2) handed the Americans (9-2-0) their first home loss of the season.

"That was a huge team victory," said Mavericks' Head Coach Scott Hillman. "We had a great game by the special teams. Brian Bicek and Mike Clemente were a big part statistically, but shutting down Allen's power play at key times was the biggest key to victory."

Missouri dominated the opening 20 minutes of the game and Sebastien Thinel was the difference in scoring through the first period. Thinel gave Missouri a 1-0 lead on assists from Bicek and Jamie VanderVeeken.

In the second period, the Mavericks were forced to kill two full penalties and half of a third penalty and the Americans came back to tie the game. Scott Howes scored at the 16:21 mark of the second period to give the Americans their first goal and tie the game, 1-1.

Allen scored only 1:17 into the third period to give them their first lead of the game. Tyler Ludwig scored on assists from Darryl Bootland and Howes.

The Mavericks took over after the Americans took the lead. First, at the 8:33 mark of the third period while on the power play, Jeff Pierce tied the game when he gathered the puck and stuffed it into the net after Bicek's shot hit the post. Bicek then notched the first of his two goals at the 11:01 mark when his shot from the left face-off dot beat Americans' goaltender Aaron Dell. Bicek then made it a 4-2 game on an empty net goal at the 19:00 mark, but the Americans didn't give in. Allen finished the scoring on an extra attacker goal by Jamie Schaafsma with 34 seconds remaining.

The Mavericks host the Rapid City Rush this Saturday, Nov. 17 at Independence Events Center at 7:05 p.m. For more information on the Missouri Mavericks visit www.MissouriMavericks.com .