UNK Wrestling: #1 Bronchos Beat the #2 Lopers Again, 21-18

Kearney, Neb. – The top-ranked Central Oklahoma Bronchos got out to an early lead and later recorded two falls to down second-ranked Nebraska Kearney, 21-18, Friday night at the Health & Sports Center.

Last month in the National Duals finals, the 'Chos (14-1, 3-0) handed the Lopers (13-4, 3-1) a 22-12 setback. They've now won nine straight in the series. 

"We thought there was going to be a lot of close, toss up matches and there was. Then we sprinkled in three falls and almost a tech fall at the end. Probably didn't have that on my bingo card but that's what make duals fun," said Loper head coach Dalton Jensen. "Momentum can swing so quickly. Overall, that was a fun dual and I'm encouraged where we're at."

UCO controlled the first two matches to go up 6-0 before third-ranked Joseph Airola (Wray, Colo.) bested eighth-ranked Josh Taylor again, 2-1 in the first tie breaker. Airola escaped in the second, Taylor in the third with Airola then quickly getting to his feet in extra time. Next, graduate Daniel DeRosier (Bellevue East) got the crowd even more fired up when he stuck junior Bam West at 2:02. He was already up 3-0 and gave UNK its only lead of the night.

The 'Chos quickly regained momentum as top-ranked Gabe Johnson recorded a first period fall at 157 pounds and then fourth-ranked Hunter Jump did the same at 174 lbs. In between, sixth-rankedTrenton Munoz (Santa Clarita, Calif.) rode 10th-ranked Bryce Dauphin the entire second period and added a takedown with 13 seconds left to win, 6-3. Jump was trailing eight-rankedOtgonbayar Batsuuri (Mongolia) 3-2 in the third but was about to be awarded near fall points and then got the actual fall.  

"This was our last big test before the regional tournament. Once we're there, it's qualify as many guys as possible for the national tournament. Ideally, we'll leave nobody at home," said Jensen. "We need to match (UCO) what they may do at their regional tournament. This continues to be a fun rivalry."

Next, fifth-ranked Kaden Hart (St. Peters, Mo.) used a second period takedown and a third period escape to best third-ranked Branson Britten again, 4-3, with top-ranked Crew Howard (Clarinda, Ia.) having a 14-4 major decision. At 197 pounds, third-ranked Garrett Wells defeated fourth-ranked Jackson Kinsella (Creston, Ia.) thanks to a second period escape, 1-0. Kinsella chose neutral to start the third but couldn't get the takedown.

"I think one of these two teams is going to win the National Title in a month. It could be a neck-and-neck heading into the final day. That's fun and what you want to be a part of," said Jensen.

UNK heads to Fort Hays State next Friday (Feb. 13) to conclude the regular season.