Oklahoma State improves to 13-0 with big win over South Dakota State
STILLWATER -- Behind two falls and three wins in sudden victory, the second-ranked Oklahoma State wrestling team took care of No. 12 South Dakota State, 31-6, Saturday night at Gallagher-Iba Arena. OSU continued its perfect season at 13-0 as South Dakota State dropped to 11-3.
As they have for much of the season, the Cowboys took control of the dual from the start, winning each of the first six bouts. Oklahoma State racked up 16 takedowns compared to SDSU's six and picked up three bonus-point wins en route to its second biggest margin of victory this season. The Cowboys have stepped up in critical situations all season long, compiling a 13-3 record in dual bouts that reach extra time
Oklahoma State has now defeated a ranked opponent in nine straight duals, its longest streak since 2004, and leads the nation with 11 total ranked wins. The Cowboys also moved to 7-0 in Big 12 competition, are the only undefeated record in the conference and 16-1 in their last 17 duals against league foes. With the win, head coach John Smith trails Harold Nichols by just three victories at 489 for second-most in Division I wrestling history.
"I thought South Dakota State did a great job and is a really tough team," associated head coach Coleman Scott said. "Did a good job getting three overtime wins, but you have to go out and score earlier than that. Overall, (we) found some things late that you like to see, but it's not really what we're looking for. Good to see Jordan (Williams) go out and let it fly. Got two takedowns before the cradle, so it was nice to see. Good job by the guys tonight as a whole."
For the eighth time this year, Troy Spratley and Daton opened the gates with back-to-back wins at 125 and 133 pounds, respectively. Spratley secured takedowns in the first and third periods to defeat No. 15 Tanner Jordan, 7-3, avenging his slim loss at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational in early December. He has won eight of last nine matches, including five in a row over ranked opponents. Fix then followed up with eighth bonus-point victory of the year, beating No. 16 Derrick Cardinal by major decision, 15-4.
Tagen Jamison added to the Cowboy lead in a wild match with No. 24 Clay Carlson at 141 pounds. Trailing 5-4, Jamison worked his way out of Carlson's grasp for an escape just before the third period buzzer, sending the bout into sudden victory. Jamison then quickly claimed the key takedown to top Carlson, 8-5.
Leading 6-1 in the second period, Jordan Williams broke the dual open with a pin over No. 18 Alek Martin, his first of the season and second of his career. It matched the highest-ranked win of his career. In a tight matchup at 157 pounds, Teague Travis defeated No. 16 Cael Swensen, 4-1, in sudden victory for his second-consecutive victory over a top-20 wrestler and 11th dual win of the year.
At 165 pounds, Izzak Olejnik posted his fifth fall of the season against Tanner Cook in the first period. Olejnik is now 20-3 as a Cowboy with a dozen bonus-point victories. Facing a 6-2 deficit in the third period, Dustin Plott posted an escape and takedown to send his meeting with No. 12 Bennett Berge into sudden victory. Plott then added another takedown to secure his team-best 13th ranked win of the year.
At heavyweight, Konner Doucet sent the Cowboy faithful home happy following a 9-7 decision against Luke Rasmussen. Doucet tallied seven points in the first period, while the nine points are his most scored against a Division I opponent this season.
Oklahoma State is set to close the regular season with two more duals at Gallagher-Iba Arena, the first coming against No. 23 Oklahoma on Sunday, February 18. The dual is slated for 2 p.m. and will air on Big 12 Now on ESPN+. The Cowboys already defeated the Sooners, 28-9, earlier this season in Norman, Okla.
Results:
125: No. 11 Troy Spratley (OSU) dec. No. 15 Tanner Jordan (SDSU), 7-3
133: No. 3 Daton Fix (OSU) MD No. 16 Derrick Cardinal (SDSU), 15-4
141: No. 8 Tagen Jamison (OSU) dec. No. 24 Clay Carlson (SDSU), SV-1 8-5
149: No. 16 Jordan Williams (OSU) fall No. 18 Alek Martin (SDSU), 4:46
157: No. 11 Teague Travis (OSU) dec. No. 16 Cael Swensen (SDSU), SV-1 4-1
165: No. 3 Izzak Olejnik (OSU) fall Tanner Cook (SDSU), 2:55
174: No. 4 Cade DeVos (SDSU) dec. No. 20 Brayden Thompson (OSU), 9-3
184: No. 2 Dustin Plott (OSU) dec. No. 12 Bennett Berge (SDSU), SV-1 9-6
197: No. 6 Tanner Sloan (SDSU) dec. No. 15 Luke Surber (OSU), 4-0
HWT: No. 10 Konner Doucet (OSU) dec. Luke Rasmussen (SDSU), 9-7