Air Force took a step forward Saturday night, but it could not solve Arizona State goaltender TJ Semptimphelter in a 2-0 non-conference loss at the Desert Classic at Tempe, Ariz.

The game was 1-0 from midway through the second period until the Sun Devils added an empty-net goal with 23 seconds to play.

The Falcons outshot the hosts 32-26, and junior Maiszon Balboa made 24 saves.

Air Force played with fire at times, having to kill five penalties, including a major to Parker Brown early in the third period. Arizona State entered the game with the No. 20 power play out of 62 Division I teams, hitting at nearly 23 percent.

Still, the Falcons held the Sun Devils to a goal below their average.

Read more about the game here

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