Husker grapplers defeat Mizzou in close duals

Nebraska trailed Missouri 15-13 when its own Craig Brester entered the 197-pound match against No. 4 Max Askren.

Brester snatched a victory for the Huskers with a reversal late in the third period that gave him a 6-4 win and NU a 16-15 win at MU.

Brester described himself as "pretty pumped up" at getting the win individually, but also for securing the dual for the Huskers.

Wrestling on the road, being down and entering the last match of the dual against his conference rival had Brester motivated.

"Going out there in those situations gives you a little more fire," Brester said.

Brester's victory was one of two victories for the Huskers against ranked opponents. Jordan Burroughs notched the other victory as he defeated No. 9 Michael Chandler, 4-3.

The dual featured three matches decided by one point in a tight contest. Husker Matt Vacanti scored the only bonus point in a win with his 20-7 major decision in the 133-pound match.

That bonus point proved to be the difference in a dual in which both teams won five matches, a result which pleased NU Head Coach Mark Manning.

"We really want to get the most out of our guys," Manning said. "You have to wrestle to your potential, not wrestle to your opponent's potential."

All-American Brandon Browne lost his second match of the season, dropping a 6-3 decision to Raymond Jordan. Stephen Dwyer also lost, falling to No. 7 Nick Marable.

Manning isn't fretting about those losses.

"We want to win every time out, but it's more about making each guy better," Manning said. "I wouldn't want any other guy at 165 or 174. Stephen and Brandon are both hard nose, tough competitors."

Manning and the wrestlers will watch video to prepare for Missouri in the Big 12 Championships.

"It's all about the end round, and we want to beat them at the Big 12 Championships," Manning said. "I could (not) care less about the dual meets. I want to watch video and learn. You always look for things you can get better at. Our guys are giving great effort, and we wrestle very hard as a team. We need to continue to do that."

Manning will know just where the Huskers are by the end of the week. After taking care of No. 6 Missouri, the team faces No. 13 Oklahoma on Thursday.

"These are big duals for each individual; we want to set ourselves up where we can have as many Big 12 champions as possible," Manning said. "We have to continue to fight as a team. Keep improving."

mikeschaefer@dailynebraskan.com