NDSU Wrestling Defeats Northern Iowa 22-15 For First Win Since 1976-77
FARGO, N.D. — North Dakota State University won six of 10 matches including a pair of tech falls to defeat the University of Northern Iowa 22-15 in a non-conference dual Saturday, Feb. 13, before 373 at the Bentson Bunker Fieldhouse to end a 14-match losing to the Panthers that dated back to the 1976-77 season.
NDSU (4-5, 2-1 Big 12 Wrestling) is scheduled to close out the regular season against South Dakota State University at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, at the Bentson Bunker Fieldhouse.
The Bison won four of the first five matches against UNI (3-10, 2-6 Mid-American Conference including 17th-ranked Josh Rodriguez, who opened with a 17-1 tech fall over Leighton Gual in 4:26 to put NDSU ahead 5-0. Rodriguez improved to 29-7 overall and 8-1 in duals.
Trailing 2-1 in the third period, Bengtson recorded a takedown with 1:03 left in the third to take the win.
Northern Iowa gained a brief 6-5 lead when 15th-ranked Josh Alber pinned Nico Colunga at 2:05 in the first period.
However, North Dakota State scratched out wins in the next three weight divisions to take a 14-6 lead as 141 Mitch Bengtson edged UNI’s Tyler Willers 3-2, 149 Clay Ream came back to defeat Adam Perrin 12-8, and 157 Kyle Gliva stunned Zach Witte 8-3.
Trailing 2-1 in the third period, Bengtson recorded a takedown with 1:03 to hold off Willers. Ream broke an 8-8 tie in the third with an escape, takedown and earned a point on 1:59 riding time. Gliva trailed 3-2 in third but gained a takedown with 1:02 left in the third and cemented the victory with a 4-point nearfall with 35-seconds remaining.
North Dakota State’s Grant Nehring dropped a 6-3 decision to Taylor Berger at 165 pounds, but Tyler McNutt literally reversed his fortunes in a 5-2 decision over Kyle Lux. McNutt used a pair of reversals and gained a point with 1:40 of riding time.
NDSU 184-pound senior Hayden Zillmer extended his dual streak to 25 with a 23-7 tech fall over Drew Foster at the 5:53 mark. Zillmer, who is ranked fourth nationally, improved to 27-3 overall and 9-0 in duals. He is tied for ninth on the school’s career list with a 101-27 record.
Northern Iowa won the final two matches. Cody Krumwiede defeated Logan Paxton 3-1 in sudden victory-1 overtime at 197 pounds, while 16th-ranked Blaize Cabell held off Ben Tynan at 285.
Bentson Bunker Fieldhouse, Fargo, N.D.
Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016
Attendance: 373
(Dual started at 125 pounds)
North Dakota State 22, Northern Iowa 15
125 – No. 17 Josh Rodriguez (NDSU) tech fall Leighton Gual (UNI), TF 17-1, 4:26
133 – No. 15 Josh Alber (UNI) pins Nick Colunga (NDSU), 2:05
141 – Mitch Bengtson (NDSU) dec. Tyler Willers (UNI), 3-2
149 – Clay Ream (NDSU) dec. Adam Perrin (UNI), 12-8
157 – Kyle Gliva (NDSU) dec. Zach Witte (UNI), 8-3
165 – Taylor Berger (UNI) dec. Grant Nehring (NDSU), 6-3
174 – Tyler McNutt (NDSU) dec. Kyle Lux (UNI), 5-2
184 – No. 4 Hayden Zillmer (NDSU) tech fall Drew Foster (UNI), TF 23-7, 5:53
197 – Cody Krumweide (UNI) sudden victory-1 Logan Paxton (NDSU), SV-1 3-1
285 – No. 16 Blaize Cabell (UNI) dec. Ben Tynan (NDSU), 7-4
Notes:
North Dakota State wins for only third time in series history (3-22-1) and first time since 1976-77 season
184 Hayden Zillmer (27-3) extended dual streak to 26 matches … Improved to 101-27 in career
NDSU 4-5 … Bison host South Dakota State at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21 at BBF
Northern Iowa 3-10