Chambana Sun

The Illinois wrestling team, ranked No. 12, achieved a significant victory over No. 23 North Carolina with a final score of 24-14. This win took place at Carmichael Arena and improved Illinois' season record to 5-0.

The Illini have been consistent in their performance, scoring over 20 points in each dual match, a feat last accomplished by the team during the 2015-16 season when they started with an 8-0 record.

Lucas Byrd, ranked No. 2 at 133 pounds, was pivotal for Illinois, securing a major decision victory against Ethan Oakley from UNC with a score of 9-1. This helped reduce UNC's early lead to 5-4 after they claimed the initial bout at 125 pounds via technical fall.

Danny Pucino, ranked No. 15 at 141 pounds, furthered Illinois' advantage with an overtime win against Jayden Scott from UNC, achieving a score of SV-1 4-1.

Despite dropping matches in the 149 and 157-pound categories, Illinois regained momentum through Braeden Scoles’ dominant performance at the 165-pound category. Scoles won by technical fall against Nicholas Fea from UNC with a score of 25-8, putting Illinois back in the lead at 12-11.

Illinois continued their streak with Danny Braunagel's technical fall victory at the 174-pound category over Nolan O'Boyle from UNC with a score of 20-3. Although UNC narrowed the gap by winning the match at the 184-pound category, Zac Braunagel extended Illinois’ lead again with his major decision victory at the 197-pound category against Cade Lautt from UNC.

The final points were secured by Luke Luffman’s narrow decision win over Aidan Guttridge from UNC in the heavyweight division (285 pounds), ending the dual meet with a final score of Illinois leading North Carolina by ten points.

The next challenge for Illinois will be facing Indiana on December 6th during the Big Ten Takedown event in Indianapolis.