Chambana Sun

The Illinois wrestling team, ranked 11th nationally, secured a decisive victory over the 29th-ranked Maryland Terrapins with a score of 33-7 in their dual meet on Friday. This win marks Illinois' ninth consecutive triumph against Maryland.

Caelan Riley initiated the scoring for Illinois at 125 pounds by defeating Abram Cline with a 10-5 decision. Lucas Byrd, ranked fourth at 133 pounds, followed up with a 7-3 decision win over Braxton Brown. Danny Pucino continued the momentum with an 8-5 victory over Dario Lemus at 141 pounds.

Kannon Webster added significant points for Illinois by pinning Kal Miller in just under five minutes at the 149-pound weight class. At 165 pounds, Braeden Scoles achieved a technical fall against Alex Uryniak, further extending Illinois' lead.

Danny Braunagel and his twin brother Zac Braunagel both contributed technical fall victories at their respective weight classes of 174 and 197 pounds. Luke Luffman concluded the dual meet with a narrow decision win over Seth Nevills at the heavyweight category.

Maryland managed to secure wins in two bouts: Ethen Miller's major decision over Jason Kraisser at 157 pounds and Jaxon Smith's close victory against Edmond Ruth at 184 pounds.

Illinois will next face Rutgers in Piscataway, New Jersey on Sunday.