Indiana University Athletics
Indiana University
Purdue
Purdue Tops Indiana, 18-16
2/8/2008 12:00:00 AM | Wrestling
Feb. 8, 2008
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Redshirt sophomore Angel Escobedo improved to 23-0 on the year with a 10-2 major decision at Purdue Friday, but it wasn't enough as the Hoosiers dropped a tough one in West Lafayette, 18-16. It marked the fourth time this season that Indiana has been defeated by five points or less, needing just a lone match to switch in their favor to earn the win.
Each squad won five matches on the night as bonus points determined the victor. After an opening decision for the Boilermakers in the 149-pound bout, Indiana's No. 8 Brandon Becker evened the team score at 3-3 with a 5-0 shutout of Nick Bertucci. No. 12 Matt Coughlin pushed the Hoosiers on top in the 165-pound class, getting by Justin Fraga, 3-2.
The see-saw battle continued as Purdue took the 174-pound, IU arose victorious at 184-pound; all before the Boilermakers fired back with wins at 197-lb. and heavyweight to claim a 15-9 advantage. Marc Bennett earned a 7-4 decision at 184-pounds for IU. Heavyweight Nate Everhart hit a takedown that put him ahead 5-2 with 1:06 remaining in the third period. Unfortunately, Purdue's Chris Kasten pulled off a reversal and flipped Everhart for the pin in the closing seconds.
As mentioned above, Escobedo remained perfect with his 23rd win in as many tries, cutting the team deficit to three points with two matches remaining. The Cream and Crimson then dropped the 133-pound match in a tie-breaker, falling behind 18-13. Junior Scott Kelly finished off the match with his second consecutive Big Ten victory, seizing an overtime takedown for the 3-1 triumph over Matt Redmond.
Indiana is set to host Illinois on Sunday at 2 p.m. for Senior Day.
COMPLETE MATCH RESULTS
149: Jake Patacsil (PU) dec. over Kurt Kinser (IU), 15-8
157: Brandon Becker (IU) dec. over Nick Bertucci (PU), 5-0
165: Matt Coughlin (IU) dec. over Justin Fraga (PU), 3-2
174: Nick Corpe (PU) dec. over Paul Young (IU), 5-2
184: Marc Bennett (IU) dec. over A.J. Kissel (PU), 7-4
197: Logan Brown (PU) dec. over Joe Fagiano (IU), 5-1
285: Chris Kasten (PU) pins Nate Everhart (IU), 6:47
125: Angel Escobedo (IU) maj. dec. over Akif Eren (PU), 10-2
133: Sean Schmaltz (PU) dec. over Andrae Hernandez (IU), 2-1 (TB)
141: Scott Kelly (IU) dec. over Matt Redmond (PU), 3-1 (OT)
Players Mentioned
