James Hackney
#3 Mizzou (7-0) vs #9 Cornell (4-3)
Watch Live: ESPN+, January 28th 12PM CT
Two days after a conference dual against WVU, the Tigers take on top ten team Cornell in a big test. Cornell has nine in the rankings, including four All-Americans and multiple other contenders. They haven’t always wrestled their full lineup with National and World Champ Vito Arujau being the biggest question. The premier matchup is at 165, but the matches at 125, 141, 157, 184, 197, and 285 are big tests despite rankings. The Tigers have not faced a top ten team yet this year (Virginia Tech was #11), so if they can get a strong win it would be a good sign as we get closer to the post-season.
125lbs: #6 Noah Surtin (10-1) vs #13 Brett Ungar (10-4)/Greg Diakomihalis (11-3)
Ungar is a sophomore who is coming off a bloodround finish in 2023 but on a two match losing streak. He and Surtin actually wrestled in 2022 while Ungar was grayshirting, where Surtin scored a first period pin at the Southern Scuffle. Cornell has another solid wrestler in Greg D, the younger brother of four-time NCAA champ Yianni Diakomihalis. Ironically, Surtin beat Greg at the same Scuffle tournament with a 15-2 major. Both wrestlers have come a long way and are excellent scramblers that are tough to score on. If Surtin can keep up his offensive ways and a good ride like usual however, I think he gets the win.
Prediction: Surtin Dec. Ungar (MIZ 3 CORN 0)
133lbs: #27 Kade Moore (9-2) vs #2 Vito Arujau (4-1)/Ethan Qureshi (6-7)
It sounds like there’s a good chance that returning NCAA and World champ Vito Arujau makes his return. He has been wrestling a light schedule while banged up, but also is preparing for a 2024 Olympic run at 57kg. Vito is lightning fast and scores points in bunches with a highly dynamic style. Moore has a unique style himself and could make for some fun scrambles. If it’s a healthy Arujau I’d expect at least a major. Cornell has two duals the day before, so I wouldn’t rule out Arujau missing time. If he does then Qureshi has gone in his stead but has lost his past six matches so Moore should be a heavy favorite…
