#4 Iowa State over #17 Mizzou (20-14)
The Tigers came up just short in a rally attempt against Iowa State to finish their season with a 12-8 dual record overall and 6-3 record in the Big 12. After dropping the first five they went 4-1 including big upsets at 149 and 165. They didn’t win but came razor close against top eight opponents at 141 and 157 as well. The dual saw Seth Mendoza use his last date and Sampson Stillwell make his dual debut. While it wasn’t a win for Missouri it was a solid showing in multiple matches and gave momentum heading into Big 12’s next weekend.
197lbs: #2 Rocky Elam Dec. #13 Evan Bates (7-3)
The Tigers won the toss and chose to start at 197lbs in what was certainly gamesmanship as the Cyclones weighed in two at this weight. It was a solid match by Bates, who actually scored the first takedown in the third period with his double leg. However a tough ride in the second provided riding time and a stall point for Elam. Bates was forced to cut to try and get a second takedown and gave up a reattack as Elam finished the match on top.
Bates takedown was great, using good handfighting to get him off balance for the takedown. Elam isn’t easy to score on and this highlighted Bates’ offense. Choosing bottom was again an interesting decision, but possibly limited bonus point potential as Elam is usually content to ride. In the postseason I think the coaching staff will be more open to going neutral where Bates can get his offense going in some of these bigger matches.
285lbs: #1 Yonger Bastida Tech Sampson Stillwell (22-6 5:45)
The true freshman Stillwell made his debut in one of the tougher situations taking on #1 on the road. He had some solid moments defensively and in the handfight to slow Bastida down, but he’s #1 for a reason and his athleticism at heavyweight is hard to stop. Stillwell did go for a mixer before giving up the last takedown, an effort that I appreciated in a match like this.
