Bulls Tame Huskies in Season Finale, 25-8

DEKALB, IL – The University at Buffalo wrestling team recorded its second conference victory, defeating Northern Illinois, 25-8, in its season finale on Sunday afternoon at the Convocation Center. The victory marked the Bulls' first dual victory over the Huskies since the 2000-01 season with UB capturing victories in seven bouts.

Squaring off in his final regular-season dual, senior Dan Bishop defeated Izzy Montemayor, 3-1 by decision at 125. Facing a 1-0 deficit after two periods, Bishop scored a reversal and collected riding time for the 3-1 final decision. With his victory, Bishop improved his Mid-American Conference dual record to 4-1 for the season.

At 133, sophomore Kevin Smith recorded his fifth career MAC dual victory with a win over NIU's Tristen DeShazer. Holding a 3-1 lead with a period remaining, the 19th nationally-ranked Smith managed to score a pair of takedowns, an escape and riding time to defeat DeShazer, 10-3.

The Huskies took a 6-5 lead following the Bulls' losses at 141 and 149, including a one-point reduction due to unsportsmanlike conduct.

Buffalo would recapture control of the dual with a five-bout win streak. Senior Andrew Stella turned the tide for the Bulls with a pin over the Huskies' Brian Deutsch. The senior quickly found himself down 4-0 to Deutsch due to a first period takedown and two-point nearfall. Off a reversal, Stella managed to put Deutsch to his back at 2:43 for his 70th career overall victory. Deutsch entered the bout ranked second in the monthly MAC individual rankings.

At 165, sophomore John-Martin Cannon improved to 4-1 in MAC action this season with an 11-5 decision over Northern Illinois' Joe Clothier. Nine of the 19th nationally-ranked wrestler's points came off four takedowns and riding time to defeat Clothier.

With back-to-back victories, junior Brian Sheehan kept the Bulls rolling at 174, defeating the Huskies' Mason True by major decision, 10-2.

Redshirt freshman Josh Peters defeated NIU's Zach Benzio, 10-4, at 184-pounds, finishing the season with two consecutive wins after starting 0-3 in MAC action. Peters broke the dual open in the second period with a reversal and two-point nearfall to take a commanding 6-2 lead.

At 197, junior Jimmy Hamel earned a 14-4 major decision over NIU's Scott Penny to capture his 85th career overall victory and 40th career dual victory. Hamel's victory moved him into a three-way tie for ninth place on the UB all-time overall career victories list with Jake Partlow (1997-2000) and Andy Komarek (1981-85). On the UB all-time career dual victory list, Hamel is now tied with Josh States (1997-2001) for third place.

Buffalo (9-7-1, 2-3 MAC) will prepare for the Mid-American Conference Championships held on the campus of Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Michigan on March 6-7.