Badger Wrestlers Yield to Wolverines, 23-16
MADISON, Wis. – The 12th-ranked Wisconsin wrestling team fell to No. 7 Michigan, 23-16, Friday evening at the UW Field House. With the loss, the Badgers drop to 7-3-1 (0-3 Big Ten), while the Wolverines improve to 10-3 (2-0 Big Ten).
Wisconsin came out of the gates strong as Collin Cudd and Tom Clum both won their matches to put the Badgers up 7-6. At 125 pounds, Cudd earned two reversals to seal the victory taking his first-ever Big Ten dual win. Up next was junior Tom Clum. At 133, Clum took full advantage of his experience as he recorded three takedowns, four near fall points, an escape and accumulated 3:27 minutes of riding time to take a 12-0 major decision victory.
However, Wisconsin would not win any other matches until the final two as it was too late for the Badgers to rally a comeback. Michigan won five straight matches from 141-pounds through 174 to build a 23-7 lead.
“These were two highly ranked teams tonight,” said head coach Barry Davis. “We are right there we just have to put it all together. We need to work, strive forward and get in better shape.”
At 184, senior Brady Reinke continued his winning ways as he defeated Michigan’s Josh Weitzel 9-3. Reinke remains undefeated on the season at 8-0 and has a 2-0 Big Ten dual record. Rounding out for the Badgers was junior tri-captain Ryan Flaherty. The Big Lake, Minn., native, earned his team leading 12th pin of the season at the 2:40 mark in the first period. Flaherty’s overall record now stands at 19-4.
The Badgers return to action Sunday, Jan. 30 at 1 p.m. in the UW Field House to face Big Ten foe Michigan State. The Spartans come into Madison ranked 18th in the nation and currently stand atop of the Big Ten.
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