CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — The University at Buffalo wrestling team scored some solid wins, but they weren’t enough as the Bulls lost on the road to #21 Northern Iowa, 22-16, in Mid-American Conference action on Friday night.
At 133, Bryan Lantry proved he is going to be a force heading into the MAC Tournament as he upset Josh Alber – the nation’s 10th ranked wrestler. Lantry got an escape in the third period to break a 3-3 tie and earned a 4-3 decision. It was Lantry’s fourth win over a ranked opponent on the year.
Jason Estevez followed with a win at 141. Estevez scored a late 2-point takedown to earn a 4-2 decision over Jake Hodges. It was Estevez’s first MAC dual win of the season.
After Colt Cotten dropped a 6-0 decision to eighth-ranked Max Thomsen, the Bulls found themselves trailing 8-6 in the dual. However, that’s when Alex Smythe stepped up. Smythe jumped all over Paden Moore in the 157 match, scoring two takedowns and a 4-point near fall in the first period for an 8-1 lead. Smythe would go on to win the dual by a 12-4 major decision and give the Bulls a 10-8 lead.
However, led by three ranked wrestlers, the Panthers would win the next three matches to regain a 19-10 lead.
UB still had a chance. Knowing UNI was going to forfeit at 285, it all came down to James Benjamin at 197. A decision and the Bulls tie. A major or better and the Bulls win. However, Benjamin dropped a 4-2 decision to Jacob Holschlag, giving the dual to the Panthers.
“Great effort by our guys tonight,” head coach John Stutzman said. “That was a great team and we really fought hard. Lantry beat the #1 guy in the MAC and Estevez had a huge win. We need to regroup for Sunday.”
Buffalo will close out Mid-American Conference action on Sunday afternoon when they wrestle at Northern Illinois.
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