The Maryland Black Bears hosted the New Jersey Titans Friday evening, with New Jersey leading Maryland by two points in the standings for the top team in the East Division. It was a back and forth first period, but the second period was the deciding frame. The Titans scored three times in the second period to propel themselves past the Black Bears with a 4-1 win.

The scoring started in period two with a shorthanded goal from New Jersey forward Michael Young on a two-on-one to make it 1-0. Titans’ forward Levente Keresztes scored later in the frame to make 2-0, followed by a breakaway goal from forward Ryan Coughlin to make it 3-0 New Jersey.

Forward Brad McNeil got one back for Maryland in the third period to make it 3-1, however, Tommy Bannister got the goal back for the Titans on a breakaway to make it 4-1. The score would hold up to be the final as the Black Bears lose at home in regulation for the first time in 2022.

Maryland and New Jersey rematch Saturday night at Piney Orchard Ice Arena with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET. All games can be streamed on HockeyTV.