MANKATO, Minn. – There’s been plenty of battle in the Beavers, and Thursday night it paid off in Minot State’s first win over the Minnesota State, Mankato program.
Down early, the Beavers won three of the final four matches, a comeback capped by Nathan Baca’s decision win that finished off an 18-16 dual victory for Minot State in NSIC men’s wrestling at MSU, Mankato.
Down 9-0 in the dual after the first three matches of the night, Minot State’s Dustin Swisher got the comeback started with a convincing 7-0 decision win at 197 pounds.
Trailing 12-9 in the dual, James Davis tied the match for Minot State with a 4-3 decision win at 133 pounds thanks to earning a riding-time point.
That set the stage for a fantastic finish by the Beavers as Brock Luthens’ major decision win at 141 pounds left Minot State trailing 16-12 with two matches left.
Kelby Armstrong cut into that difference with a late escape in his 149-pound match that gave him a 3-2 decision win.
Setting the stage for a winner-take-all final bout at 157, and Baca took control early, tying the first round 2-2 with a reversal, then grabbing a 3-2 lead thanks to a second-round escape.
Baca then stayed in control in the third round and added a riding-time point for a 4-2 decision victory that vaulted the Beavers to the 18-16 team win.
