North Carolina
UNC wrestling earns third straight win with 37-6 triumph over Duke
Behind a plethora of dominating twin wins, the North Carolina wrestling workforce (5-6, 1-0 ACC) cruised previous the Duke Blue Devils (3-6, 0-1 ACC), 37-6, on Friday night time at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
What occurred?
The Tar Heels jumped out to an early six-point lead after Duke forfeited the opening bout. Within the 133-pound twin, the Blue Devils sprung out in entrance behind a pair of takedowns. However first-year Jace Palmer would reply within the last interval with a last-second takedown to safe the person victory.
No. 13 Lachlan McNeil would safe a game-changing win for UNC within the following contest. The redshirt first-year capped off a stellar opening interval with a four-point close to fall. McNeil would go on to coast to a technical fall win within the second interval, rising North Carolina’s result in 14-0.
Shortly after, redshirt seniors Zach Sherman and Austin O’Connor would proceed the Tar Heels’ dominance. Sherman earned a serious choice victory and O’Connor received by pin within the first interval to stretch North Carolina’s benefit to 24 factors.
Within the 165-pound division, redshirt senior Joey Mazzara and Gabe Dinette went pound-for-pound within the preliminary interval, with Mazzara incomes the lone scoring play by means of takedown. However the next interval adopted a unique story, because the UNC redshirt senior would open up a six-point lead earlier than ultimately prevailing by main choice.
No. 9 Clay Lautt would safe North Carolina’s second technical fall of the night time within the following matchup. The redshirt senior attacked Gaetano Console from the bounce, springing to a seven-point benefit within the first interval. The Olathe, Kan. native would ramp up the stress within the following minute of play and safe the 18-3 victory.
One other ranked Tar Heel — No. 14 Gavin Kane — would proceed UNC’s spectacular outing. The sophomore within the 184-pound class would win by main choice, giving North Carolina a 37-0 lead.
The Blue Devils would go on to prevail within the last two bouts, with No. 22 Jonah Nisenbaum capping off the heavyweight division with a two-point choice win. Nonetheless, UNC’s early-dual victories had been greater than sufficient to push the Tar Heels to the win, 37-6.
Who stood out?
O’Connor continued his undefeated redshirt senior marketing campaign with the spotlight win of the night. The previous particular person NCAA champion dropped Preston Decker by pin within the opening interval to earn North Carolina six factors.
McNeil additionally shined for the Tar Heels. The redshirt first-year’s technical fall featured an array of takedowns and a four-point close to fall, to assist North Carolina construct an early cushion.
When was it determined?
From the primary bout of the night time, the Tar Heels held their floor.
After successful by forfeit within the 125-pound division, North Carolina would prevail in seven straight contests. Regardless of a late push from the Blue Devils — that noticed Duke take residence the ultimate two bouts of the night time — UNC would prevail within the rivalry tilt.
Why does it matter?
The victory extends the Tar Heels’ present win streak to a few video games. With ACC play ramping up within the coming weeks — with bouts in opposition to currently-ranked N.C. State, Virginia Tech and Pittsburgh — beginning off convention play within the win column is a step in the precise course for North Carolina.
When do they play subsequent?
UNC returns residence to Carmichael Enviornment to host the Virginia Cavaliers on Friday. The convention bout is ready to begin at 7 p.m.
@dthsports | sports activities@dailytarheel.com
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