ST. LOUIS – Missouri Baptist men's wrestling nearly pulled-off the upset against the No. 6-ranked team in the NAIA on Wednesday, but fell to the Oklahoma City University Stars 17-20 at home.
After beginning the dual in a surprising 0-4 hole, Missouri Baptist battled back to take a lead with several big performances in the lower weight classes. MBU's Detorious Prayther, the No. 4-ranked wrestler at 125lbs, dropped his match against the No. 8-ranked Kidd Gomez by major decision 8-21 to begin the competition. The surprising result allowed the following three wrestlers to make a big impact.
Gabriel Roman, Chris Padilla and Esmond Ford all picked-up wins by decision at 133, 141 and 149 respectively to make it a 9-4 lead. A one point deduction during Padilla's match with OCU's Trevor Sterling for unsportsmanlike conduct extended that lead to 9-3 heading into the 157lb class.
A pair of No. 3-ranked wrestlers from Oklahoma City took care of business in the following two weight classes. Mark Meyer defeated Alejandro Wajner by fall to tie the dual heading into the 165lb weight class. OCU's Zach Skates was also victorious with a win by technical fall over Davis Keleher to build a 14-9 lead over the home team.
The dual came down to the last few matches and none of them disappointed the crowd. A.J. Carter-Johnson tied Teagan Franco of Oklahoma City 4-4 and headed into overtime. Franco pulled-out the win with a two-point take down, making it an even taller order for the Spartans.
Weston Keleher, true to form, provided a much-needed spark for his team. The junior from Moberly, Mo. defeated Jared Bass by fall to cut the deficit to two, 15-17. The big victory put the Spartans within striking distance, but the night belonged to the Stars.
Cody Silversten beat MBU's Michael Hahn by decision, forcing Julius Anglikas to win by fall in order to secure victory for Missouri Baptist. Though Anglikas came out on top with an 11-9 win by decision, the Stars left St. Louis with another victory on the season.
Next up for Missouri Baptist will be a dual just up Conway Road against cross-town foe, Maryville University on Wednesday, Jan. 30.
