Bugarin Strikes 17 Seconds Into OT as Rams Edge Franklin Pierce, 3-2

WINCHENDON, Mass. – Scott Bugarin scored just 17 seconds into overtime to give Framingham State a dramatic 3-2 victory over Franklin Pierce in non-conference action Tuesday evening.

THE BASICS:

• Score: Framingham State 3, Franklin Pierce 2 (OT)
• Location: Winchendon, Mass.
• Records: Framingham State (3-4-0), Franklin Pierce (5-4-0)

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• First Period: Both teams battled through a scoreless opening period despite several power-play opportunities. Framingham State killed off a penalty late in the frame, with the teams combining for 18 shots.
• Second Period: Franklin Pierce broke through at 7:32 when John Sterling scored to give the Ravens a 1-0 lead. The Rams pulled their goaltender late in the period looking to tie the game, but remained scoreless heading into intermission.
• Third Period: Jake Barcelou tied the game at 1:57 with his second of the season. Mario Paganini restored the lead with a power-play goal at 5:30, but Cameron Craig answered with a power-play tally of his own at 13:20 to send the game to overtime tied at 2-2.
• Overtime: Bugarin won the opening faceoff and wasted no time, beating Jeffrey Reda just 17 seconds into the extra session to secure the victory.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Benjamin O'Keefe: Made 43 saves on 45 shots to earn the win, including 22 stops in the third period.
• Scott Bugarin: Scored the game-winning goal and led the Rams with five shots. Won 11 of 21 faceoffs.
• Cameron Craig: Netted the game-tying power-play goal in the third period.
• Jake Barcelou: Scored an empty-net goal to pull the Rams even early in the third.
• Team Stats: Framingham State was outshot 45-35 but capitalized on key power-play opportunities, going 1-for-4 with the extra skater.

UP NEXT: The Rams host Worcester State on December 4 at 7:20 p.m. in a MASCAC clash.