Box Score ST. LOUIS – [BOX SCORE] A hat trick from Aris Nukic lifted the Spartans to a 4-3 overtime win over Freed-Hardeman Saturday night in Henderson, Tenn.
Nukic scored two first-half goals and the game-winner, with three minutes left in the second overtime. The senior halted the Lions (2-8, 2-5) comeback attempt and ensured that the Spartans (7-4-3, 4-3) wouldn't surrender their 3-0 lead.
MBU led 3-0 after a goal from Gerardo Espinoza early in the second half before Freed-Hardeman started its rally. Andrij Sawczuk scored for the Lions twice in the final half, including the equalizer with just over a minute remaining in regulation.
Thanks to Nukic, MBU got off to a 2-0 lead and carried momentum into halftime. Nukic scored a minute apart in the 42nd and 43rd minute to help MBU strike first. Both goals were assisted by Josh Phillips. The senior now has eight goals on the season after the hat trick.
Espinoza helped MBU keep its foot on the gas pedal with a goal early in the half to put the Spartans ahead 3-0. The goal was his sixth of the season. Espinoza's score came with 36 minutes left and was the Spartans last score until the Lions mounted their comeback.
Espinoza also had the Spartans lone shot in either overtime until Nukic found the net with 3:12 left on the clock. The Spartans now play three of their final four games at home. Things get started with Hannibal-LaGrange on Tuesday at 1:00 pm.
