The University of Missouri wrestling team, ranked No. 25, was narrowly defeated by No. 13 Iowa State with a score of 21-18 during Senior Day at the Hearnes Center on Saturday. This result brings the Tigers’ record to 5-10 overall and 4-4 in Big 12 competition, while Iowa State moves to 12-5 overall and 6-2 in conference play.
Iowa State started strong, winning the first four matches and building a 15-0 lead before Missouri scored its first points. Logan Gioffre lost a close match to Paniro Johnson, ranked sixth nationally, by a score of 4-1. James Conway broke Iowa State’s streak with a notable upset at 157 pounds, defeating eighth-ranked Cody Chittum by decision, 9-3.
After intermission, Missouri responded with two consecutive falls from Cam Steed and Keegan O’Toole, tying the dual at 15 points each. Colton Hawks and Jesse Cassatt both competed closely but were edged out in their respective matches at 184 and 197 pounds. With Iowa State leading 21-15 going into the final bout, Seth Nitzel closed out the event for Missouri by defeating Daniel Herrera.
The Cyclones now have a historical advantage over Missouri in their meetings, holding a record of 46 wins to Missouri’s 12. Keegan O’Toole achieved his 100th career win and remains undefeated this season at 12-0. James Conway secured his second victory over a ranked opponent this season and has accumulated fourteen wins overall so far.
Cam Steed recorded his ninth bonus point victory this year with his fourth fall of the season. O’Toole returned to action for the first time since defeating Levi Haines in December and earned his eleventh bonus point win of the season.
This dual marked the second meeting between Seth Nitzel and Daniel Herrera this season; Herrera won their previous matchup in November. Cam Steed improved his record against Aiden Riggins to two wins without losses after also defeating him earlier this year.
Missouri will next compete at the Big 12 Championship in Tulsa, Oklahoma starting March 8.
For more information about Mizzou Wrestling, visit MUTigers.com or follow them on social media platforms including Facebook (Mizzou Wrestling), Twitter, and Instagram (@MizzouWrestling).
Keegan O’Toole said: “O’Toole’s win marks the 100th of his career and moves him to 12-0 this season.”
James Conway commented: “Conway’s decision marks his second-ranked and fourteenth-overall win of the season.”
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