North Dakota State University (NDSU) defeated South Dakota State University (SDSU) in a wrestling dual on Sunday, with a final score of 20-13. The event took place in Brookings, South Dakota, and marked NDSU’s first win over SDSU since 2021.
The match began at 125 pounds, where NDSU’s Ezekiel Witt secured a major decision over Brady Roark, giving the Bison an early lead. At 133 pounds, Cale Seaton from SDSU won against Tristan Daugherty in sudden victory, narrowing the gap to 4-3.
Julian Tagg of SDSU earned a decision over Devon Harrison at 141 pounds. “After giving up an early takedown, Tagg battled back with two takedowns of his own in the second and third period to secure the decision, 10-5,” according to the release. This result put SDSU ahead briefly.
At 149 pounds, Max Petersen from NDSU defeated Colin Dupill by major decision. The Bison regained their lead after this bout. In the next match at 157 pounds, Gavin Drexler beat Cael Swensen of SDSU by decision.
Following the break, Marcus Espinoza-Owens from SDSU claimed a major decision win at 165 pounds against Boeden Greenley. Moses Espinoza-Owens continued for SDSU at 174 pounds with a decision victory over Max Magayna.
However, NDSU turned things around in the higher weight classes. Aidan Brenot defeated Jarrett Wadsen at 184 pounds for NDSU. Devin Wasley then pulled off an upset against Bennett Berge at 197 pounds.
With the dual still undecided heading into the heavyweight match at 285 pounds, Shilo Jones from NDSU faced Luke Rasmussen of SDSU. “After missing an ankle pick in the first, Rasmussen was caught by Jones and ridden out, which set the tone for the rest of the match,” as described in the statement. Jones won by decision and secured victory for NDSU.
Attendance for Sunday’s dual was reported as 2,358 people.
Looking ahead, South Dakota State will compete next at the Big 12 Championships on March 6th and 7th in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The team has finished third in this tournament each of the past two years and aims to perform strongly again this year.