Dec. 14, 2014
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COLUMBUS, Ohio – In a tightly contested, back-and-forth match, fifth-ranked Missouri edged seventh-ranked Ohio State 20-19 on the fourth tiebreaker criteria (first takedown of the first match) in front of 2,666 fans at St. John Arena on Sunday afternoon. With the loss, the Buckeyes are 4-2 on the year while Missouri improves to 9-0.
With Ohio State leading the overall team score 19-16 and just the 285-pound match remaining, Missouri’s J’den Cox bumped up from his usual position of 197 and wrestled the Buckeyes’ Nick Tavanello. Cox, the reigning national champion at 197, defeated Tavanello 4-2 on the strength of a third-period takedown. After being knotted on pins/forfeits (1-1) and total match points (48-48), the tie was broken on the first takedown of the first match, which went to Missouri’s Alan Waters. It is the second time this year Ohio State has lost a dual meet on tiebreaker criteria.
Sunday’s dual started at 125 pounds where third-ranked Alan Waters earned an 11-8 decision over the Buckeyes’ Nathan Tomasello. Waters jumped out to an early lead with a takedown and three-point near fall in the first period, followed by a takedown with just two seconds left in the second period.
At 133 pounds, Johnni DiJulius evened the match at three via a 5-2 decision over 16th-ranked Matt Manley. DiJulius raced out to a 4-0 lead on a takedown and reversal in the first two periods and then gained an extra point on riding time.
Three-time national champion Logan Stieber won by forfeit at 141 pounds and in the next match at 149 pounds, redshirt junior Hunter Stieber made his 2014-15 debut. He, unfortunately, was pinned by fifth ranked Drake Houdashelt in 2:49.
At 157 pounds, Josh Demas returned to the lineup after being out last week and proceeded to edge Joseph LaValle, 3-2. He scored his points via a first-period takedown and second-period escape.
In easily one of the most exciting matches of the day, Missouri’s Cody Johnson came from behind to defeat Justin Kresevic, 9-7, in overtime at 165 pounds. Kresevic led 7-5 with under a minute remaining in the third, but Johnson was able to get a match-tying takedown just before time expired and then another takedown early in overtime for the victory.
Mark Martin’s 5-2 decision over Mike England at 174 pounds gave Ohio State a 15-12 lead, but Willie Miklus got a 12-2 major decision at 184 over Josh Fox at 184 pounds to give the Tigers a 16-15 advantage. True freshman Kyle Snyder responded, however, and defeated John Eblen by major decision (15-5) at 197 pounds to make the score 19-16 headed into the final match. He was able to get the bonus-points victory thanks to four third-period takedowns. Snyder’s win improved his record to 14-1 on the season with eight major decisions.
Ohio State will be idle for the next three weeks before returning to action on Sunday, Jan. 4 when it hosts its Big Ten opener against top-ranked Iowa at 2 p.m.
Ohio State Wrestling
No. 5 Missouri 20, No. 7 Ohio State 19
December 14, 2014 | St. John Arena; Columbus, Ohio
Attendance: 2,666
125: Alan Waters (Missouri) decision over Nathan Tomasello (OSU) 11-8; Missouri 3, OSU 0
133: Johnni DiJulius decision over Matt Manley (Missouri) 5-2; Missouri 3, OSU 3
141: Logan Stieber won by forfeit; OSU 9, Missouri 3
149: Drake Houdashelt (Missouri) fall over Hunter Stieber (OSU) 2:49; OSU 9, Missouri 9
157: Josh Demas (OSU) decision over Joseph LaVallee (Missouri) 3-2; OSU 12, Missouri 9
165: Cody Johnson (Missouri) decision over Justin Kresevic (OSU) 9-7 (OT); OSU 12, Missouri 12
174: Mark Martin (OSU) decision over Mike England (Missouri) 5-2; OSU 15, Missouri 12
184: Willie Miklus (Missouri) major decision over Josh Fox (OSU) 12-2; Missouri 16, OSU 15
197: Kyle Snyder (OSU) major decision over John Eblen (Missouri) 15-5; OSU 19, Missouri 16
285: J’den Cox (Missouri) decision over Nick Tavanello (OSU) 4-2; Missouri 20, OSU 19*
*Missouri awarded point based on fourth tiebreaker criteria (first takedown of first match)
