The University of Illinois wrestling team, ranked ninth nationally, secured a 21-16 victory over eleventh-ranked Missouri on Monday night at the Hearnes Center in Columbia. This win brings Illinois’ season record to 5-2, while Missouri’s record falls to 5-4.
Missouri started the dual with a win at 125 pounds, but Illinois’ Lucas Byrd, ranked first at 133 pounds, responded by defeating Kade Moore. Despite trailing early in his match against Moore, Byrd managed four consecutive takedowns and finished with a 12-9 decision to tie the score at 3-3.
Danny Pucino returned to Illinois’ lineup at 141 pounds after missing previous matches and earned a 12-6 decision over Zeke Seltzer, giving Illinois its first lead of the evening. “He trusted his offense and went to work stacking four-straight takedowns to outscore Moore 12-2 the rest of the way and tie the dual, 3-3.”
Missouri leveled the contest again after winning at 149 pounds. However, Illinois regained momentum with victories from Kannon Webster at 157 pounds and Braeden Scoles at 165 pounds—Scoles earning bonus points with an 18-4 major decision.
Colin Kelly followed with another major decision for Illinois at 174 pounds. The Illini led by as much as eleven points before Missouri narrowed the gap due to an injury default by Chris Moore in favor of Aeoden Sinclair.
Evan Bates gave Missouri more hope with a major decision win in the 197-pound match, setting up a decisive heavyweight bout. Luke Luffman clinched the dual for Illinois by defeating Jarrett Stoner with a major decision score of 13-3.
Illinois has now beaten Missouri twice within eight days this season.
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