ADRIAN, Mich. (SabreAthletics.com) – The Marian University men's hockey team fell for the second time against a top-10 ranked foe in No. 7 Adrian College, 3-1, in MCHA league play, this afternoon, Jan. 19.

The Sabres and Bulldogs played a scoreless game for nearly the first two periods until Kevin Balas netted a short-handed goal at the 18:57 mark of the second period. Duston Hebebrand recorded the game-winner early in the third as Robbie Bailey got the Sabres on the board with less than eighth minutes remaining in the game.

Adrian improved to 14-1-2 overall, 10-0-2 in the MCHA with the win, while Marian fell to 7-9-1 (6-6-0 NCHA) with the setback.

In a scoreless game, the Sabres had an opportunity to gain an advantage on the league leading Bulldogs following a blowout loss the night before, but Balas sought an opportunity of his own and netted the rare short-handed goal, his fifth of the season.

Hebebrand then added his fourth goal of the season at the 4:41 mark of the third period to give Adrian a 2-0 lead. At the 7:07 mark, Zach Graham registered his ninth goal of the year to make it give the Bulldogs a commanding 3-0 edge.

Bailey's goal was his second of the season, but the Sabres were unable to muster enough offense to climb back into contention.

Adrian's James Hamby made 27 saves for his ninth win of the season, while Marian's Josh Baker stopped 26 shots in falling to 5-5-1 overall.

Both teams combined for 19 penalties with Adrian committing 11 for 30 minutes.

The Sabres will look to get back to their winning ways when they travel to Finlandia next weekend for a two-game series, Fri.-Sat., Jan. 25-26. Friday's puck drop is set for 7:15 p.m. eastern time, 6:15 p.m. central.