Buffalo Bulls Wrestling vs. #22 Old Dominion Monarchs Recap; Stutzman gets first MAC Victory

This was a long time coming.

After taking care of business in the upper weight classes to start the match, John Stutzman's squad was able to overcome the litany of NCAA qualifiers in the lower weight classes thanks to a forfeit victory as they toppled the nationally ranked Monarchs, 19-15. The victory marked Stutzman's first conference dual meet win in the MAC since he took over as head coach.

The match started in exciting fashion with Tim Schaefer taking a thrilling overtime victory against David Goeghegan, before Tyler Rill dropped a 8-4 decision in his return to the lineup at 165 pounds. Muhamed McBryde showed off his freestyle wrestling prowess with a pair of impressive takedowns, one of which late in the match to take the win 5-4.

Joe Ariola held on strong against former All-American Jack Dechow and was able to hold Dechow to only a 3 point decision to tie the match at 6 heading into the 197 pound bout. Then, at 197 pounds, James Benjamin won in a marathon against Austin Coburn, coming down to riding time in the 4th overtime period where Benjamin was able to ride out the final 30 second period.

At heavyweight, Jake Gunning did what Jake Gunning does and won by major decision to give UB a commanding 13-6 leading heading into the final 4 matches. Kyle Akins lost to former national qualifier Brandon Jeske 4-1; but, because ODU's starter was injured, the Monarchs were forced to forfeit the 133 pound match giving UB a 19-9 lead heading into the final 2 matches. Brandon Lapi and Colt Cotten both lost, but didn't give up 2 technical falls or worse giving UB their first MAC win in 2 years.

This win was huge for Coach Stutzman, beating a ranked team, getting a MAC dual win, and remaining perfect in Alumni Arena is a huge confidence boost heading forward. UB won the close matches when they needed to and they wrestled well from top to bottom against a quality opponent. The 8th win of the season is also the most since the 2010-2011 season.

UB will be back home on Sunday when they take on Ohio in Alumni Arena.

Full Results - Buffalo 19, Old Dominion 15

125: Brandon Jeske (ODU) dec. Kyle Akins (Buffalo), 4-1

133: Bryan Lantry (Buffalo) wins by forfeit

141: #11 Chris Mecate (ODU) dec. Brandon Lapi (Buffalo), 7-1

149: #9 Alex Richardson (ODU) dec. Colt Cotten (Buffalo), 6-0

157: Tim Schaefer (Buffalo) SV-1 David Geoghegan (ODU), 6-4

165: Seldon Wright (ODU) dec. Tyler Rill (Buffalo), 8-4

174: Muhamed McBryde (Buffalo) dec. Brooks Climmons (ODU), 5-4

184: #7 Jack Dechow (ODU) dec. Joe Ariola (Buffalo), 8-1

197: James Benjamin (Buffalo) dec. Austin Coburn (ODU), 3-2 (4 OT)

285: Jake Gunning (Buffalo) maj. dec. Andrew Snyder (ODU), 14-3