MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – North Dakota State wrestling fell to #12 Minnesota on Sunday, Dec. 10, at the Maturi Pavillion, as the Gophers defeated the Bison 33-7.
 
After forfeiting the opening match at 125, the Bison started strong in the next three matches, but picked up just one win with two losses coming in overtime. Fernando Barreto secured two third period takedowns to tie his 133-pound matchup with Jager Eisch, but Eisch picked up a win in the overtime period with a takedown.
 
The Bison picked up their first win at 141 pounds, as #29 Gavin Drexler secured a first period takedown and added an escape later in the match for a 4-2 victory over Ben Lunn. Max Petersen then took #21 Drew Roberts to overtime, 1-1 at 149 pounds, but Petersen fell on a stalling point, dropping a 2-1 decision.
 
Minnesota would then start a run of bonus point decisions, as #11 Michael Blockus picked up a technical fall at 157 pounds, as time expired with a riding time point to win 17-2 over Landen Johnson. At 165 pounds, #31 Blaine Brenner then secured a 9-0 major decision over Brendan Howes.
 
North Dakota State would claim the next bonus point decision, as Gaven Sax provided the upset of the dual as he defeated #15 Andrew Sparks with a dominating 8-0 decision in the 174-pound match. Sax had a takedown in the first and second periods, along with an escape and over three minutes of riding time for the final point.
 
Minnesota would then clinch the dual with a 9-5 victory from Devin Wasley at 184 pounds, defeating Adam Cherne. Minnesota would then pick up a pin in the 197-pound match, as #16 Garrett Joles turned Spencer Mooberry in the third period, securing the fall at 5:56. The Gophers would close the match with a win at heavyweight, as Bennett Tabor came from behind to defeat Devon Dawson 6-3.
 
North Dakota State will remain on the road and close out the 2023 calendar year at the Fighting Camel Duals on December 19 in Buies Creek, North Carolina. The Bison will take on host Campbell (12 p.m.), Purdue (2 p.m.) and Stanford (4 p.m.) in a quadrangular at Gore Arena.
 
Full Results:
#12 Minnesota 33 North Dakota State 7
Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023 | Maturi Pavilion | Minneapolis, Minn.
125 | Patrick McKee (MINN) over Unknown; Forfeit
133 | Jager Eisch (MINN) over Fernando Barreto (NDSU); SV-1 9-6
141 | #29 Gavin Drexler (NDSU) over Ben Lunn (MINN); Dec 4-2
149 | #21 Drew Roberts (MINN) over Max Petersen (NDSU); SV-1 2-1
157 | #11 Michael Blockhus (MINN) over Landen Johnson (NDSU); TF 17-2
165 | #31 Blaine Brenner (MINN) over Brendan Howes (NDSU); MD 9-0
174 | Gaven Sax (NDSU) over #15 Andrew Sparks (MINN); MD 8-0
184 | Devin Wasley (MINN) over Adam Cherne (NDSU); Dec 9-5
197 | #16 Garrett Joles (MINN) over Spencer Mooberry (NDSU); Fall 5:56
285 | Bennett Tabor (MINN) over Devon Dawson (NDSU); Dec 6-3