Coming into Lafayette, the Wisconsin men’s wrestling team was outscored 135-60 over its last five matches. However, the No. 18 Badgers (2-5 Big Ten, 4-5 overall) stood firm on Friday night and spoiled Purdue’s (3-6, 8-7) senior night with a 22-12 victory.
Technical falls were the Badger’s ally in Lafayette, as seniors T.J. Ruschell and Connor Medbery benefited from this victory condition. Ruschell earned the Badger’s first bonus-point win with a 16-0 tech fall. Medbery followed suit, dominating early against heavyweight senior Tyler Kral with a 18-3 tech fall.
Junior Johnny Jimenez and senior Isaac Jordan remained calm and both came out of Mackey Arena victorious, swinging the momentum early in the Badgers’ favor.
Purdue refused to go down quietly, though, and the crowd was an important factor in the numerous toss-up matches. Junior Aaron Crone took a 5-4 decision over Nate Limmex. Crone held a 5-1 lead in the third period, but Limmex began to crawl back with a reversal. The 149-pound matchup ended in a 5-4 decision and was an impressive display of Crone’s ability to maintain composure.
For Purdue, its biggest win of the night came from freshman Christian Brunner. He upset No. 11 junior Ricky Robertson. Brunner was able to accumulate a lot of riding time after a decisive takedown in the 197-pound weight class.
The Badgers face Michigan February 12 at home, with a lot at stake for both teams. Fans can not only expect a free banner, but an exciting match as well.
