Takedown Report

BIG 10 Conference Duals

Pucino’s Pin Catapults Illini to First B1G Win

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois wrestling team won their home opening Big Ten dual against Wisconsin on Sunday, Jan. 8. Sophomore Danny Pucino secured the fall over Wisconsin’s Felix Lettini at 5:40 to give the Illini the six points that secured the victory, 18-17.

“Today was a great day for our program,” said head coach Mike Poeta. “The last three weeks I can’t tell you enough how proud I am of our guys. We’ve been on a roll. We’ve been climbing, fighting and wrestling hard. The guys are doing exactly what we asked for. I can’t say enough good things about Danny Pucino and Zac Braunagel. Zac has put together some of the best wrestling he’s ever had. Dylan Connell is starting to get on a roll. Lucas Byrd is still Lucas Byrd. When he walks out there, I’m confident he can beat anybody in the country. Today was a fun day for Illinois wrestling.”

Today’s meet started at 157 lbs. compared to the usual 125 lb starts. It looked bleak early for Illinois when they dropped the first two matches and trailed 8-0. Redshirt sophomore Edmond Ruth set off a spark for the Illini when he won his 18th straight match. He decisioned Josh Otto (Wisconsin) 4-1.

Illinois went on to win the next two matches to take the lead 9-8. Redshirt freshman Dylan Connell defeated Wisconsin’s Tyler Dow. Redshirt junior Zac Braunagel won his rematch against Braxton Amos by decision 4-3. Zac faced Braxton at Midlands just a week ago in the finals and defeated him in the second tie breaker round 2-1.

Redshirt sophomore Lucas Byrd continues to bring consistent … rest of story at Fightingillini.com/news/2023/1/8/wrestling-pucinos-pin-catapults-illini-to-first-b1g-win

No. 15 Northwestern Upends No. 9 Minnesota, 18-11

Six ‘Cats record victories in first home win over Golden Gophers since 1996

EVANSTON, Ill. (January 7, 2023) – No. 15 Northwestern (2-0, 1-0 B1G) couldn’t have scripted a better start to Big Ten Conference action, dealing No. 9 Minnesota (7-1, 0-1 B1G) its first dual meet defeat of the season in an 18-11 triumph this afternoon inside Welsh-Ryan Arena.  Today’s victory marks the Wildcats’ first dual meet win over the Golden Gophers in Evanston since 1996.
 
The ‘Cats picked up wins in six of the afternoon’s nine bouts, including five straight victories to close the dual meet.
 
Maxx Mayfield provided early fireworks in the day’s opening bout at 165 pounds, recording a takedown on the edge of the mat with just one second remaining in the third period to edge out a 6-4 decision over No. 22 Andrew Sparks.

At heavyweight, No. 4 Lucas Davison, fresh off a Midlands Championships run that saw him not allow a point, jumped out to an early lead on Garrett Joles and coasted to a 4-1 win. 
 
No. 11 Chris Cannon found himself in an early hole at 133 pounds, trailing No. 22 Aaron Nagao, 3-0, late in the second period.  With time winding down in the frame, Cannon erupted for a takedown that was followed by a four-point near fall as the redshirt junior raced in front, 6-3, on his way to a 7-3 victory. … rest of story at NUsports.com/news/2023/1/7/wrestling-no-15-northwestern-upends-no-9-minnesota-18-11

U-M Wraps West Coast Road Trip with Shutout Win at CSU Bakersfield

» No. 5 Michigan claimed all 10 bouts, earning bonus points in three, to blank CSU Bakersfield, 36-0, and claim its first shutout win in five seasons.
» Mason Parris earned his second straight first-period pin — and eighth fall this season — at heavyweight; he improved to 15-0 this season.
» Chance Lamer (149) and Cameron Amine (165) also earned bonus wins, while Dylan Ragusin (133) and Cole Mattin (141) defeated ranked CSUB opponents.

Site: Bakersfield, Calif. (Icardo Center)
Score: #5 Michigan 36, CSU Bakersfield 0
Records: U-M (5-0), CSUB (0-1)
Next U-M Event: Friday, Jan. 13 — at Michigan State (East Lansing, Mich.), 6:30 p.m.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The No. 5-ranked University of Michigan wrestling team wrapped up its west-coast road trip in style, rolling to a dominant 36-0 win against CSU Bakersfield on Sunday afternoon (Jan. 8). The Wolverines, who improved to 5-0 in duals this season, earned three bonus wins and earned their first shutout win in five seasons.

Jack Medley kicked off the dual with a 10-4 decision against Richard Castro-Sandoval at 125 pounds. He scored four takedowns, including two in the first period, … rest of story at Mgoblue.com/news/2023/1/8/wrestling-u-m-wraps-west-coast-road-trip-with-shutout-win-at-csu-bakersfield

January 11, 2023 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized