Ohio State No. 2 senior Kollin Moore celebrates after defeating Michigan’s Jackson Striggow in the 197-pound bout by decision, 12-5. Credit: Sal Marandino | For The Lantern
Ohio State’s best efforts weren’t good enough against the nation’s premier wrestling team, one that bolsters a top 10 performer in every weight class.
No. 1 Iowa (8-0, 5-0 Big Ten) took down No. 4 Ohio State (7-2, 3-1) in a 24-10 dual meet win Friday in Iowa City.
Ohio State redshirt freshman Sammy Sasso, the No. 6 wrestler at 149 pounds, provided the highlight of the contest for the Buckeyes.
Following a 1-1 affair in regulation with the No. 1 wrestler in his class, Iowa redshirt senior Pat Lugo, Sasso went bottom first in sudden victory and escaped to take a 2-1 advantage.
The Pennsylvania native completed multiple key mat returns in the second half of extra time, riding out an upset win.
Ohio State’s two No. 1 wrestlers provided the only other wins during the dual. Redshirt senior Kollin Moore defeated Iowa senior Cash Wilcke at 197 pounds, and Ohio State senior Luke Pletcher scored a major decision at 141 pounds over Iowa junior Carter Happel.
The Hawkeyes began the dual with a 9-0 advantage with consecutive wins at the 165, 174 and 184-pound weight classes. Following Moore’s victory, it rattled off 13 consecutive points, in large part due to two tech falls, sealing their eventual win with a 21-3 lead.
Ohio State will look to bounce back against No. 14 Minnesota at 8:30.p.m. Sunday in Minneapolis.
