DETROIT – Brent Baltus scored the game-winning goal 3:58 into overtime to give Michigan Tech a 3-2 come-from-behind victory over Michigan State in the Great Lakes Invitational semifinals on Tuesday afternoon at Joe Louis Arena.

Alex Gillies and Jake Lucchini also scored for Tech, which advances to its third GLI title game during the Mel Pearson era. The Huskies last won the tournament crown in 2012.

“I thought it was an even game and a good game,” said Pearson. “We’ve been off two weeks since our last game so you never know what you’re going to get. We got better as the game went on and their goalie was great for two periods. I’m extremely proud of our players for staying with it and that’s one thing about this team – they’ll play until the end.”

The comeback started 8:22 into the third period when Gillies knocked home a loose puck from the edge of the crease. After going hard to the net, Gillies was pushed into Michigan State goaltender Jake Hildebrand but managed to regain his feet, find the puck sitting in the crease and bat it under Hildebrand to make it 2-1.

Then, with just 1:26 to play in regulation, Lucchini buried from the right circle to tie it. The play started when Mark Auk settled a loose puck and drew a defender to him before feathering a pass to Lucchini. The freshman moved to his forehand and put a wrister into the back of the net, setting the stage for Baltus’ heroics.

The Huskies carried play for the majority of the contest and outshot Michigan State 36-23 – including a 27-14 advantage in the game’s final 43:58.

Jamie Phillips started between the pipes for the Huskies and collected his 11th win of the season after turning in a 21-save effort.

Auk (0-2), Gillies (1-1) and Baltus (1-1) all had two points in the victory.

Michigan Tech (11-6-2 overall, 9-6-1 WCHA) will play Michigan at 7 p.m. today in the 51st GLI championship game.

Information provided by Michigan Tech sports information.