Fourth-ranked UW-River Falls used a stellar defensive performance to shut down UW-Stevens Point for a 3-0 men's hockey victory on Friday in River Falls.

After a scoreless first period that also featured no penalties, but 28 shots on goal, the Falcons scored twice in the second period and got another goal in the third to improve to 15-2-1 overall and 6-1 in the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association. UW-Stevens Point suffered its third straight loss and slipped to 5-11-2 overall and 1-5-1 in the league.

Derek Hansberry and Cory Baldwin scored the Falcons' second period goals and T.J. Dahl added the third period score.

Falcons' goalie A.J. Bucchino, who ranks seventh in Division III in save percentage, had another solid performance with 24 saves. Marcus Paulson (Eden Prairie, MN/Eden Prairie) made 33 saves for the Pointers, who were outshot 36-24.

UW-Stevens Point had only two power play chances in the game and one lasted just eight seconds in the third period.

The Pointers face another top five team on Saturday when they host UW-Stout at 7:30 p.m. at Willett Arena.