Minnesota overpowers Illinois
2/5/2021
MINNEAPOLIS -- The No. 10 Gopher wrestling team (5-2) won five of the last six matches to defeat No. 13 Illinois (4-2), 25-13, on Friday night at Maturi Pavilion. Fifth-year senior Owen Webster upset No. 7 Zac Braunagel at 184 pounds, while top-ranked heavyweight Gable Steveson pinned sixth-ranked Luke Luffman in just 34 seconds to close out the dual.
Sophomore Patrick McKee gave the Gophers an early 3-0 lead with a 4-2 decision against No. 13 Justin Cardani at 125 pounds. Ranked seventh in the nation, McKee trailed most of the match, but used a takedown and two-point near fall with one minute remaining to erase a 2-0 deficit.