Tigers Fall to Illini in Tough Dual Wrestling Match
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The No. 9 ranked University of Missouri wrestling team faced a tough challenge on Thursday, Nov. 21, as they fell to No. 16 Illinois with a score of 23-14. This defeat marks the Tigers’ second consecutive loss, dropping their record to 1-2, while Illinois improved to 4-0.
The match opened favorably for Mizzou, as true freshman Gage Walker clinched a major decision victory against the Illini’s Caelen Riley, securing his first collegiate dual win. Redshirt junior Josh Edmond added to the Tigers’ score with a narrow 8-7 victory at 141 pounds, but Illinois quickly countered with three wins, leaving Mizzou trailing 11-7 at halftime.
National champion Keegan O’Toole showcased his dominance with another major decision victory, maintaining his perfect bonus point rate this season. Despite the efforts of freshman Logan Cole, who fought hard at 184 pounds against Big Ten champion Edmond Ruth, Illinois secured three additional wins in the latter half of the match, solidifying their victory.
Mizzou now holds a 16-20-0 all-time record against Illinois, in a rivalry that has seen numerous close encounters. The event, held at Illinois’ Lot 31 stadium club, also featured a unique dinner theater theme, reminiscent of last season’s dual in St. Louis.
Looking ahead, the Tigers will face No. 14 Northern Iowa in Hartland, Wisconsin, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, at Arrowhead High School, where the dual starts at 7 p.m. CT, and will be streamed on UFC Fight Pass.
Match Results:
- 125: Gage Walker d. Caelen Riley, 13-1 (MD)
- 133: Lucas Byrd d. Kade Moore, 17-4 (MD)
- 141: Josh Edmond d. Danny Pucino, 8-7
- 149: Kannon Webster d. Logan Gioffre, 20-7 (MD)
- 157: Jason Kraisser d. James Conway, 9-3
- 165: Braeden Scoles d. Cam Steed, injury default
- 174: Keegan O’Toole d. Danny Braunagel, 16-7 (MD)
- 184: Logan Cole d. Edmond Ruth, 10-3
- 197: Aeoden Sinclair d. Zac Braunagel, 16-10
- 285: Luke Luffman d. Seth Nitzel, 4-3
Source
Photo credit mutigers.com