The Ohio State wrestling team suffered its third loss of the season Friday night in a dual-meet with arch-rival Michigan. It was a top-ten matchup and one that came down to the final match that was decided by riding time. It was a thrilling back-and-forth affair, but one the Buckeyes came out on the short end of 18-16 in Ann Arbor for the first time since 2007.
Things started well for Ohio State when Ethan Smith took down No. 23 Cameron Amine in the 165-pound match. Smith had a late third-period takedown then survived by riding things out to set the tone early.
Michigan took a 4-3 team lead after the 174-pound match, but then Rocky Jordan got a major decision at 184-pounds to give OSU the momentum and a 7-4 lead. The Wolverines would rebound to win the next two matches at 194-pounds and heavyweight to take a 12-7 lead at the halfway mark.
That would set the stage for a classic second half.
Malik Heinselman would get Ohio State going again with a 3-1 decision to close the team score to 12-10, but the Wolverines would rebound right back with a 6-4 decision at 133-pounds. The Buckeyes would then take the next two with Dylan D’Emilio and Sammy Sasso taking care of business at 141 and 149 pounds respectfully, and suddenly the Buckeyes were poised for the upset, up 16-15 with just the 157-pound drama to unfold.
ICYMI⤵️ pic.twitter.com/cTklYrb6TX
— Ohio State Wrestling (@wrestlingbucks) February 13, 2021
With the loss, OSU drops to 5-3, while Michigan improves to 4-0 coming out of its two-week pause because of COVID-19.
Ohio State will next be in action against Penn State in Columbus next Friday. It’ll be the Buckeyes’ last dual-meet of the season and be carried live by the Big Ten Network.
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