The University of Illinois wrestling team, ranked 11th nationally, secured a decisive 28-6 victory over Purdue on Sunday at Holloway Gymnasium in West Lafayette. The Illini improved their season record to 11-4 overall and 4-2 in the Big Ten Conference, marking their third consecutive conference dual win.
Illinois won eight out of ten matches during the meet. Spencer Moore, ranked 17th at 125 pounds, began the event with a 6-2 decision over Ashton Jackson, maintaining his undefeated record in conference duals this season. Lucas Byrd, the top-ranked wrestler at 133 pounds, followed with a narrow 5-4 decision against Blake Boarman to extend Illinois’ lead.
Purdue claimed the 141-pound bout when Greyson Clark defeated Kole Brower, bringing the score to 6-3. However, Illinois responded with Michael Gioffre’s win at 149 pounds and Kannon Webster’s technical fall at 157 pounds over Isaac Ruble. Webster’s performance was his seventh technical fall victory of the season and increased Illinois’ advantage to 14-3.
After Purdue’s Joey Blaze won at 165 pounds, Illinois closed out the meet by winning the final four bouts. Colin Kelly recorded a technical fall at 174 pounds, while Chris Moore (184), Cade Lautt (197), and Luke Luffman (285) each earned decisions for Illinois.
The final team score was Illinois 28, Purdue 6.
Illinois will next compete against No. 5 Nebraska on Friday for senior day at Huff Hall.