Bogard’s brace and Heuer’s three-point night lift Indiana past Michigan State, 3-2

Indiana had to fight for this one.

After taking a two-goal lead into halftime, the Hoosiers found themselves protecting a one-goal advantage for much of the second half. Michigan State twice cut the deficit to one, but Indiana held on for a 3-2 win Wednesday night at Bill Armstrong Stadium, making them the Big Ten regular season champs.

Easton Bogard scored twice in the first half, and Charlie Heuer had a hand in all three Indiana goals, finishing with a goal and two assists. Michal Mroz added four saves as the Hoosiers finished the regular season unbeaten at home.

Indiana finds its breakthrough

Indiana created plenty of opportunities before finally getting on the board.

In the 22nd minute, some good work from Stephane Njike helped open up space in the box. Heuer nudged the ball forward for an oncoming Westin Carnevale, whose shot struck the right post. Shortly after, Alex Barger delivered a cross from deep on the left side that found Bogard, but the forward couldn’t get enough on his header to put it on frame.

Bogard didn’t miss his next chance.

Heuer took a touch outside the box and slipped a pass through to Bogard, putting him one on one with Michigan State goalkeeper Jake Grekowicz. Bogard calmly placed his shot into the bottom-right corner to give Indiana the lead in the 28th minute.

Just 2:22 later, he was back on the scoresheet.

Grekowicz saved Heuer’s shot from inside the box, but the rebound fell into the path of a charging Bogard. He finished it off for his second goal, putting Indiana up 2-0.

The Hoosiers carried that lead into halftime with a 9-3 advantage in shots.

Michigan State makes it a game

The comfortable lead didn’t last long after the break.

Andrew Darakdjian headed home from close range in the 47th minute after a Michigan State attack involving Leo Conneh and Miles Merritt. Suddenly, the Spartans were within one.

Indiana needed a response, and Heuer delivered just over two minutes later.

Michael Adu-Gyamfi made a run down the right side and found Heuer in front of goal. After helping create both of Bogard’s finishes, Heuer scored one of his own to restore the two-goal cushion in the 49th minute.

Michigan State wasn’t done, though.

Mroz saved Darakdjian’s shot in the 55th minute, but Richie Ludwig came sliding in to finish the rebound. Indiana’s lead was back down to one, with more than 35 minutes still to play.

Hoosiers finish the job

Mroz came up with a big diving save on Ludwig in the 69th minute, keeping Indiana in front.

At the other end, Oliver Moller-Jensen nearly gave the Hoosiers some breathing room. After carrying the ball forward and drawing multiple Michigan State defenders, he curled a shot toward the upper-right corner that struck the intersection of the post and crossbar.

Indiana never found a fourth goal, but it wasn’t necessary.

The Hoosiers kept Michigan State off the board the rest of the way to finish off the win. Indiana ended with a 19-10 advantage in shots and seven shots on goal to the Spartans’ six.

It wasn’t as comfortable as the first half suggested it might be. But with a championship on the line, Indiana got the goals early and the stops late.