NORFOLK, Va. – The University at Buffalo wrestling team scored an impressive 22-14 win over Old Dominion at the Ted Constant Center on Friday night. It was UB’s first Mid-American Conference road dual win since 2012.
Tyler Rill and James Benjamin recorded the biggest wins of the night as each grappler took down nationally-ranked opponents. Rill wrestled his best match of the season and earned a 13-5 major decision over 15th-ranked Seldon Wright. Benjamin earned a 3-1 overtime decision over #11 Kevin Beazley.
The Bulls got off to a great start in the match as Kyle Akins earned an 18-2 technical fall victory over Steven Simpson at 125. Bryan Lantry (133) followed with a 17-6 major decision over Alex Madrigal and Buffalo quickly led 9-0.
After the Monarchs won the next two matches to cut the lead to 9-7, Alex Smythe won a 2-1 decision over Austin Eads to extend the UB advantage to 12-7. Rill’s major win at 165 made the score 16-7.
Old Dominion didn’t go away and won the next two matches at 174 and 184 to cut the Buffalo advantage to 16-14. However, Benjamin’s OT win slammed the door on the Monarchs’ threat.
Jake Gunning closed out the dual with a 4-2 decision over Will Hilliard.
“What a great win for this program,” head coach John Stutzman said. “Tyler Rill and James Benjamin both beat nationally ranked guys and past NCAA qualifiers. I’m excited for these guys.”
The Bulls improved to 7-4 overall and 2-2 in MAC duals on the season. They will next wrestle at Hoftsta next Saturday.
from UBBulls.com via IFTTT
